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LIBRARY 

OF  THE 

UNIVERSITY  OF  CALIFORNIA 


Class 


RAHAB 


RAHAB 


A   Drama  in 
Three  Acts 


RICHARD    BURTON 


With  four  scenes  and  playbill  from 
Donald  Robertson  s  production 


By  faith  the  harlot  Rahab  perished 
not  with  them  that  believed  not,  when 
she  had  received  the  spies  with  peace. 
—Hebrews  xi.  31. 


NEW  YORK 

HENRY  HOLT  AND  COMPANY 
1909 


COPYRIGHT,  1906 

BY 
HENRY  HOLT  AND  COMPANY 

Published  March,  iqob. 


RAHAB 


177715 


CHARACTERS 

(In  the  order  of  their  appearance) 

AMMON,  a  lover  of  Rahdb 

LELA,  a  harp  player 

A  SOOTHSAYER 

A  MESSENGER 

RAHAB,  a  woman  of  Jericho 

ZULEIKA,  her  attendant 

SALMON,  a  prince  of  Israel,  sent  by  Joshua  as 
a  spy 

HOREB,  a  companion  spy 

ZEMAN,  a  soldier  of  Jericho 

AMORAH,  mother  of  Mahab 

ASENATH,  sister  of  Rahdb 

NATHANIAH,  RahaUs  father 

Pleasure  makers  at  RahaVs  house,  soldiers  of 
Jericho,  Israelites,  etc. 

The  whole  action  occurs  in  Jericho,  capital  city 
of  the  Canaanites,  about  1500  B.  C. 


- 


RAVINIA     THEATRE 

GEO.  M.  SEWARD,  RECEIVER  A.  M.  LOWRIE,   MANAGER 

Bonalb  Eofcertston'g  Company  of  JJlaperg 

In  Repertoire 

Wednesday    and     Saturday    Evenings 
September  9  and  12,   1908 

"  R  A  H  A  B  " 

A  Drama  in  Three  Acts  by 

RICHARD   BURTON 

CHARACTERS 

Raliab,  a  Woman  of  Jericho Marion  Redlich 

Asenath,  her  sister Anna  Titus 

Amorah,  her  mother Grace  Colbron 

Xathaniah,  her  father .Donald  Robertson 

Zuleika,  her  handmaiden Alice  John 

Ammon,  a  Lover  of  Rahab .Herman  Lieb 

Salmon,  a  Prince  of  Israel  sent  by  Joshua  as  a  spy,  Wm.  Owen 

Horeb.  a  companion  spy Francis  Lieb 

Soothsayer Frank  Hardin 

Messenger J.  Ralph  Bradley 

Zeman,  a  Soldier  of  Jericho Henry  Davis 

Thais,  a  Singer Georgie  Kennicot 

Lela,  a  Harp  Player Virginia  Brooks 

First  Woman Vida  Sutton 

Second  Woman Alice  Wilson 

Third  Woman Louise  Hotchkiss 

ACT  I. — Morning  in  Rahab's  house.    Ten  days  before  the  siege. 

ACT  II. — Scene  same.     Next  day. 

ACT  III. — Scene  same.     Day  of  Jericho's  fall. 

Kavinia  Theatre,  under  the  management  of  Mr.  A.M.  Lowrie,  will  re- 
main open  for  the  winter  season.  Only  the  best  attractions,  including 
opera  drama,  concerts  and  lectures,  will  be  played.  Announcements  will 
be  mailed  to  those  leaving  address  at  box  office.  Tickets  will  be  on  sale 
for  each  attraction  six  days  in  advance.  Phone  orders  or  mail  orders  not 
accompanied  by  check  will  be  held  until  noon  of  the  date  of  attraction. 
Phone  Highland  Park  64, or  157.  Address  Ravinia Theatre,  Highland  Park. 


Facsimile  of  play-bill  of  firs  f  performances  near  Chicago.     The 
play  zi'as  afterwards  successfully  given  in  Chicago  and  on  tour. 


ACT  1. 


Behold  when  we  come  into  the  land,  thou  shalt 
bind  this  line  of  scarlet  thread  in  the  window 
which  thou  didst  let  us  down  by:  and  thou  shalt 
bring  thy  father  and  thy  mother  and  thy  brethren 
and  all  thy  father's  household  home  unto  thee. 
And  it  shall  be  that  whosoever  shall  go  out  of  the 
doors  of  thy  house  into  the  street,  his  blood  shall 
be  upon  his  head  and  we  will  be  guiltless:  and 
whosoever  shall  be  with  thee  in  the  house,  his 
blood  shall  be  upon  our  head,  if  any  hand  be 
upon  him.  JOSHUA  ii.  18-19. 


3$Q@g$g$lQ&fl$^^ 


A 


RAHAB 

ACT   I. 

MORNING  in  late  Summer  ten  days 
before  the  siege.  Scene,  a  large  living- 
room  in  Rahab's  house,  on  the  wall;  lattice- 
work at  back,  with  open  doors  giving  on  to 
the  wall,  whence  one  overlooks  the  city  of 
Jericho  seen  from  an  elevation.  Doors, 
draped  with  rich  hangings,  and  flanked  by 
marble  pillars,  at  right  and  left.  The 
room  is  a  beautiful  one:  marble  floor 
with  great  oriental  rugs:  tropical  plants 

about:    ornaments    in    bronze    and    iron, 
5 


6  RAHAB 

gold  and  silver.  A  marble  fountain 
playing  in  back  centre.  On  either  side 
of  it,  images  of  Baal,  Ashtoreth,  Moloch, 
and  other  gods  of  the  Phoenician  tribe  of 
Canaanites.  Curtain  discloses  a  group  of 
men  and  maidens  surrounding  fountain; 
they  circle  and  dance  to  music  of  harps  and 
citherns  played  by  several  girls  sitting  on 
marble  benches  placed  along  sides  of  the 
room.  As  each  dancer  comes  in  front  of 
an  idol,  he  or  she  makes  an  obeisance.  On 
conclusion  of  dance,  the  women  sportfully 
toss  up  water  from  the  fountain  at  the  men, 
who  make  as  if  to  embrace  them. 

AMMON. 

\_coming  down  stage  and  addressing 
others,  who  follow  and  begin  to 
take  seats  on  the  marble  settles. 
Well  footed,  by  our  gods ! 

FIRST  WOMAN. 

To  dance  is  sweet; 
To  love — is  sweeter. 


RAHAB  7 

AMMON. 

Love  us  then,  fair  maid! 
SECOND  WOMAN. 

Thy  feet  are  light,  and  light  thy  vows  of  faith — 
Rahab  said  so,  last  night. 

AMMON. 

The  maiden  Rahab ! 

Where  stays  she,  as  we  while  the  sun-fierce  hours 
Here  in  her  pleasure  house  ? 

FIRST  WOMAN. 

Among  the  palms 

And  cypresses  she  walks  apart :  for  she 
Is  sad  of  late,  nor  joins  our  revellings 
Nor  bows  her  head  to  mighty  Baal  (all  bow) 

nor  likes, 

As  once  she  did,  to  listen  to  the  song 
Made  to  her  honour  by  our  poet  player. 
[Points  to  girl  with  harp. 

AMMON. 
What  song  is  that? 

FIRST  WOMAN. 

Hear  it,  if  so  you  will  : 


S/TY 


8  RAHAB 

Lela,  thy  harp :  our  mood  is  all  for  music. 

[LELA  takes  harp  and  sings,  the 
rest  grouping  themselves  pictur- 
esquely around  her  on  benches 
and  floor.  AMMON  a  little 
apart. ; 


SONG. 

Rahab  is  queen  of  love ;  her  dress 
Betrays  the  beauty  claspt  within : 

Her  mouth  is  made  for  tenderness ; 
Men  lose  their  souls  her  grace  to  win 

She  stands  like  a  pomegranate  tree, 
Straight,  beautiful,  and  proud  to  see. 

The  warm  dusk-splendour  of  her  eyes 
Might  wreck  the  councils  of  a  king; 

Not  statelier  the  Jordan  flies 
Than  do  her  feet  in  pleasuring : 

She  doth  enthrall  with  magics  three : 
With  doubt  and  hope  and  glamoury. 


RAHAB  9 

Then  strike  rich  chords  of  pain  and  bliss 

For  Rahab,  rose  of  Jericho : 
A  regal  flower  to  pluck  and  kiss 

And  woman's  bitter-sweet  to  know : 
In  all  the  lists  of  coquetry, 

None  walks  so  wonderful  as  she. 

AMMON. 
The  song  is  meet :  I  would  that  she  were  here ! 

[A  noise  is  heard  outside  which  all 

heed. 

SECOND  WOMAN. 

Look !  Some  one  comes — a  motley  figure,  too. 
[A  SOOTHSAYER  rushes  in  breath- 
less, by  the  door  that  leads  from 
the  wall.  He  is  clad  in  black  and 
red;  cabalistic  ornaments  are  on 
his  long  robe  and  conical  hat. 
A  mirror  wrapt  in  rich  velvet 
depends  from  his  neck  by  a 
golden  chain.  He  carries  a 
tripod  in  one  hand.  All  sur- 
round him  at  the  centre. 


io  RAHAB 

SOOTHSAYER. 

Harbourage,  and  the  chance  to  read  the  stars ! 
I  can  interpret  signs. 

FIRST  WOMAN. 

In  nick  of  time, 

A  soothsayer !     We'll  have  him  riddle  us 
The  issues  of  the  Autumn.     Some  men  say 
Dark  omens  overbrood  the  city. 

SECOND  WOMAN. 

Now, 

Foretell  the  future,  mystic  sir,  and  gain 
In  good  red  gold. 

THIRD  WOMAN. 

Yea,  peddle  us  thy  dreams 
And  divinations. 

SOOTHSAYER. 
Straightway  will  I  so. 

Dwells  Mistress  Rahab  here  ?     Yon  motley  mob 
Handled  me  roughly  till  I  cried  for  help, 
Whereat  they  jeered:   "Go,   seek   it  there   of 
Rahab; 


RAHAB  n 

She  medicines  the  men." — Their  laughter  shrilled 
About  mine  ears,  as  hitherward  I  rushed. 

FIRST  WOMAN. 
Yea,  this  is  Rahab's  house. 

SOOTHSAYER 
(obsequiously). 

I  know  her  fame, 
And  fain  would  please  her ;  yea,  and  please  ye  all. 

AMMON. 
Bring  us  some  luck  in  love. 

ONE  OF  THE  MEN 
(jeeringly). 

Thou  mighty  sage, 

Pray,  guess  for  me  why  Lela  yonder  goes 
O'  nights   in   moon-blanched   ways,  alone    and 

sad — 

For  my  sake,  or  Astarte's  ?  Speak  it  forth, 
I'll  halve  this  circlet  With  thee. 

[Points  to  gold  armring. 
LELA. 

Better  say, 
Why  on  his  face  a  red  mark  like  a  clover 


12  RAHAB 

Burns  since  two  days — or  like  a  woman's  hand ! 
Come,  conjure  that ! 

[All  laugh. 
SECOND  WOMAN. 

Sir  wise  man,  tell  us  of 
The  Israelites  men  say  would  leap  our  walls 
And  reave  away  us  women. 

ONE  OF  THE  MEN. 

Old  wives'  tales ! 
Handful  of  desert  men ! 

SOOTHSAYER. 

Good  lords  and  dames, 
Humbly  I  thank  ye :    I  would  pleasure  ye, 
Yet  can  but  read  within  the  wondrous  glass 
Whatso  the  mid-air  gods  decree ;  I  am 
Their  slave,  and  nothing  do  of  mine  own  will. 
Gentles,  approach. 

[All  gather  nearer  him.  He  sprin- 
kles red  powder  on  brass  plate, 
lights  it,  and  as  steam  arises, 
peers  into  the  glass  which  he  has 
set  up  on  the  tripod,  and  recites: 


RAHAB  13 

I  see  the  years  unroll.  I  hear  a  voice : 

{His  voice  changes  to  a  sort  of  in- 
cantation. 

Behold,  the  doomed  city  razed  to  earth, 
Her  idols  tumbled,  and  her  teeming  ways 
Vacant,  and  all  her  noise  of  moving  men 
Gulfed  into  silence. 

[Pauses,  peers  into  mirror,  bending 
low.    The  others  take  announce- 
ment with  signs  of  displeasure. 
Lo,  the  picture  fades. 
Now     ....     only  can  I   see  a   woman — 

fair 

As  the  white  foam  that  tops  the  sea ;  her  eyes 
Are  star-bent :  all  about  her,  ranged  in  ranks, 
Throng  saints  and  sages  and  the  mighty  ones 
Whose  deeds  make  nations;  and  they  hail  and 

hail 

The  woman :  trumpet-clear  their  hailings  rise, 
And  more  than  flute-sweet :  it  would  almost  seem 
She  is  some  prophetess  or  saviour — ah, 
Now  fleets  it  forth — the  vision  is  no  more. 


14  RAHAB 

[All  are  impressed;  tkey  look  at 
one  another,  whisper  together. 
The  SOOTHSAYER  goes  from  one 
to  another,  receiving  largess  of 
money  or  ornaments;  then, 
counting  his  gains,  takes  tripod, 
and  goes  towards  left. 

AMMON 

(checking  him). 

Small    sport    in    this! — Hold,    tell    us    livelier 

things : 

Unless  thy  wave-lithe  maiden  come  to  earth, 
Little  we  reck  of  women  in  a  dream. 
I  lust  for  dance  or  war  or  dainty  love, 
Nay,  most  of  all,  for  Rahab.     Gods !  one  look 
Out  of  her  eyes  would  break  a  holy  vigil, 
Warming  it  into  human.    Tell  us,  sir, 
If  I  shall  have  her !    Riddle  me  of  her, 
My  queen  of  passion ! 

FIRST  WOMAN. 

Maybe  he  did  speak 


RAHAB  15 

Of  her,  of  Rahab — for  'tis  known  her  mind 
Is  set  on  prophecies,  nor  leans  toward  love. 

AMMON 

[With  a  great  laugh,  letting  go 
SOOTHSAYER,  who  goes  to  en- 
trance at  left,  pausing  there 
and  hidden  behind  a  statue  of  a 
god. 

Rahab  the  wanton  ranged  about  by  saints ! 
Daughter  of  joy  become  a  priestess !    Nay — 
A  million  nays !  The  fool  did  well  to  flee. 

[Sound  of  trumpet  outside:  clank 
of  armour,  growing  louder:  en- 
ter King's  MESSENGER  at  right; 
looks  about  inquiringly. 
MESSENGER. 

I  come  from  great  Nathaniah,  father  to 
The  maiden  Rahab,  and  the  trusty  friend 
And  councillor  of  our  most  potent  King — 
Long  may  his  majesty  secure  our  days!     (All 

bow.) 
Where  is  she  ? 


16  RAHAB 

AMMON. 

We  await  her  coming  now. 
Look  not  at  me  as  if  I  were  her  keeper ! 
Summon   her   household, — though,    I   warrant 

thee, 

They  will  not  meddle  with  her  morning  mood. 
Rahab,  the  turbulent,  would  be  alone  I 

MESSENGER. 

I  cannot  stay,  for  stern  the  bidding  is : 
The  citizens  must  cease  from  revelry, 
Turn  low  their  lights,  their  houses  set  in  order, 
Lest  enemies  should  catch  us  unaware. 
Rumours  are  all  abroad:   Nathaniah 
Would  have  his  daughter  heed  them,  make  her 

haunts — 

Full  now  of  license  and  of  foolish  mirth — 
Less  boisterous,  and  more  safe :  here  is  his  sign. 
(Hands  King's  signet  to  AMMON.,) 

AMMON. 

The  Signet  of  the  King !  His  rule  be  long ! 
I'll  give  it  her.    But  it  is  passing  strange, 
Our  King,  the  conqueror  of  a  score  of  towns, 


RAHAB  17 

Should  fear  these  tramping  tribes  of  alien  men 
Whose  fame  is  bruited  as  if  mastery 
Shot  from  their  very  eyes :  our  walls  are  builded 
For  foes  far  weightier. 

MESSENGER. 

Not  mine  to  say. 
I  do  my  hest :  obedience  is  my  trade. 

[Exit,  bowing,  at  right,  as  he  came. 

FIRST  WOMAN. 

Grey,  ominous  times !  If  Rahab  would  but  come, 
Mayhap  she'd  make  this  criss-cross  smooth  and 
clear. 

SECOND  WOMAN 

(up  stage,  looking  off,  and  pointing). 
Then  ask  her,  for  she  walks  as  if  her  eyes 
Read  all  fate's  secrets. 

FIRST  WOMAN. 

O  the  masks  of  her! 
Look,  how  she  comes ! 

ALL. 

Hail  to  the  mistress  Rahab ! 
[All  rise  and  salute,  musicians  strik- 


i8  RAHAB 

ing  chords   on   instruments,  as 
RAHAB,  followed  by  her  hand- 
maiden, ZULEIKA,  enters  at  the 
left,  and  inclining  her  head  to 
them,  walks  slowly  up  stage  to 
latticed  window  and  looks  forth 
over  the  city. 
SOOTHSAYER 
(peering  out). 

She's  my  dream-lady ! — Rahab  ringed  by  saints ! 
[Goes  out. 

RAHAB. 
Good  morrow  to  you  all. 

AMMON 
(to  Zuleika) . 

What  ails  the  lady? 
Surely  she  lacks  of  health  ? 

ZULEIKA. 

Sombre  her  mood; 

She  looks  beyond  the  Jordan,  and  her  dreams 
Are  much  of  stranger-folk — the  tribe  men  say 


RAHAB  19 

Are  camped  beyond  the  river  and  may  come 
To  conquer  our  great  city — idle  boast ! 

ONE  OF  THE  MEN. 

Nathless,  I  hear  that  Rahab's  father  begs 
The  King  to  strengthen  all  the  guards,  and  close 
The  triple-headed  gates  before  the  sundown. 
Strange  men,  'tis  whispered,  walk  our  streets. 
ANOTHER  MAN. 

'Tis  said 

A  band  of  merchants  Egypt-bound  did  see, 
But  two  leagues  from  our  walls,  the  Israelites 
Riding  lean  stallions. 

AMMON. 

Let  them  come  apace ! 
[Approaches  RAHAB  at  window. 
Will  not  our  Rahab  listen  to  her  slave  ? 
Why  is  her  glad  behaviour  clouded  o'er 
By  stormy  brows  and  listless  looks  ? 
RAHAB. 

I  am 

Not  well :  it  jars  against  my  very  soul 
To  hear  yon  revelry. 


20  RAHAB 

AMMON. 

They  loll  and  dote 

And  fawn  upon  thee  as  do  festering  weeds 
About  some  crimson  bloom. 
RAHAB. 

Lip  service,  Ammon ! 
AMMON 

(offering  her  the  King's  signet). 
Nay,  burning  truth.    Thy  father  bids  thee  make 
Thy  house  all  dark  and  silent. 

RAHAB 
(taking  ring). 

Wherefore  so? 

My  father !    Yet  no  father,  for  he  sets 
His  face  against  me,  treats  me  as  a  trull, 
Not  like  a  daughter.    Ah,  he  has  full  cause ! 
Yet  he  might  love  me, — love  me  back  again, 
For  that  I  love  him  so !    Why  should  I  make 
My  house  a  sepulchre  these  splendid  days? 
Though  all  the  gods  do  know  my  heart  is  sad — 
As  sad  as  Ashtoreth  when  vintage  fails ; 
Yea,  liker  mourning  than  such  merriment. 


RAHAB  21 

AMMON. 
The  King  forefears  some  peril  to  the  city. 

RAHAB 

(as  if  in  a  r every). 

Dear,  sparkling  city,  must  my  dream  come  true  ? 
Must  Jericho  go  down  ? 

AMMON 

(seizing  her  hands,  trying  to  embrace  her). 

My  glorious  girl, 
I  love  thy  moods — 

RAHAB 
(resisting  him). 

Unhand  me,  Ammon !    I 
Would  break  with  my  old  life. 
AMMON. 

No,  by  the  moon, 
Thou  still  art  mine,  as  thou  hast  been  of  yore  1 

RAHAB. 

Never  again,  albe  my  flesh  yet  quivers 
With  the  old  passion,  burns  to  feel  thy  touch : 
Never  again  my  soul  shall  give  consent 


22  RAHAB 

To  lechery.    I  swear  it  by  the  God 
Of  Israel! 

AMMON 
(astounded) . 
No  god  of  love  is  that: 
Some  one  bewitches  thee. 

RAHAB. 

Yea,  'tis  a  spell 

Ineffable ;  it  bids  me  be  myself, 
My  own  young  self,  when  not  my  lips  alone 
Might  smile,  but  in  my  heart  was  laughter  sweet; 
And  when  my  sister  greeted  me,  mine  eyes 
Looked  level  into  hers. 

[To  all,  advancing  to  them. 

Women  and  men 

Of  Jericho,  now  give  me  leave  to  speak 
Alone,  with  my  handmaiden ;  for  there  is 
Business  betwixt  us  robs  me  of  my  mirth. 

[All  rise  and  slowly  file  out  at  sides, 
with  shrugs  and  whispered 
words.  AMMON  starts  to  go, 
then  comes  back  and  attempts  to 


y 

RAHAB  23 

put  hands  upon  her.    She  draws 
dagger. 

RAHAB. 

A  dagger  and  a  death-dream !  Hear  me  swear  it, 
By  the  One  God! 

AMMON 
(incensed) . 

You're  but  a  freakish  fool. 
I'll  wait;  the  famished  flesh  will  call  again. 
A  woman  with  one  god — and  many  loves ! 
(Exit,  laughing,  after  others.) 

[RAHAB  takes  Zuleika  by  arm,  and 
goes  rapidly  to  a  stone  seat; 
both  sit. 

RAHAB 

(rapidly,  with  emotion). 
Oh,  how  I  hate  their  wantonness ;  they  are 
Mere  butterflies  that  sport  them  in  the  sun 
Of  license,  dying  at  the  feel  of  night, 
Wherein  are  stars  that  search  the  soul. 
ZULEIKA. 

My  mistress, 


24  RAHAB 

What  means  this  change  has  come  upon  thee,  so 
Killing  thy  taste  for  gladness? 

RAHAB. 

Hast  thou  heard, 

My  girl,  of  a  great  people  that  men  say 
Do  gather  round  us  and  will  come  to  conquer 
This  populous  city  ? 

ZULEIKA. 

Moloch  make  them  ashes ! 
By  name  called  Israelites :  a  mighty  folk 
That  worship  one  strange  god — 

RAHAB. 

Strong  with  His  strength. 
Zuleika,  hark.    Last  night  I  had  a  dream, 
Being  o'erwatched  and  weary.   In  my  sleep 
I  stood  upon  the  battlements,  and  lo ! 
It  seemed  this  town  was  razed  to  the  ground, 
With  all  its  peoples  and  its  palaces 
Prone,  and  its  erstwhile  buzz  of  traffic  still. 
And  then,  upon  the  leavings  of  our  life 
(All  happened  as  a  mist  before  my  gaze) 
Arose  fair  buildings,  and  the  sound  of  prayer; 


RAHAB  25 

And   priests   did   chant   JEHOVAH — such    the 

name — 

And  like  a  flash  I  knew  it  for  the  truth 
And  fell  in  worship :  for  his  realm  was  pure 
And  high  (bends  closer);   and  then,  Zuleika, 

stranger  yet — 

ZULEIKA. 
What  is  it,  lady  ?    How  thy  colour  pales ! 

RAHAB. 

I  heard  the  sound  of  singing,  and  methought 
My  name  was  spoken :  out  of  empty  air, 
A  voice  declared  that  Rahab  should  become 
Fruitful,  and  in  the  fulness  of  long  time 
Honoured  to  unborn  ages ;  then  there  came, 
As  if  all  trumpets  made  of  men  were  melted 
In  one  bright  blast  that  shook  the  very  stars, 
A  wondrous  noise, — a  light, — and  I  awoke 
Trembling ;  since  when  all  ribaldry  and  lust 
Sicken  me,  and  I  know  that  Israel 
Is  destined  to  succeed  us. 

ZULEIKA. 

This  is  strange; 


26  RAHAB 

But,  mistress,  surely  but  an  idle  dream 
Born  of  some  feasting — out  of  mere  excess 
Of  pleasure. 

RAHAB. 
Nay,  my  heart  beats  otherwise. 

ZULEIKA. 

Some  conjuror  hath  fooled  thee;  'tis  their  trade 
To  cozen  women ; — how  may  doom  like  that 
Despoil  our  Rahab ! 

RAHAB. 

Think  not,  girl,  of  me; 
Think  of  our  birth-stead,  think  of  Jericho; 
This  city  of  the  moon-gods,  in  a  plain 
Far-famous  for  its  tilth ;  her  date-palms  rise 
Under  a  sky  that  changes,  hour  by  hour, 
From  spangled  red  to  turquoise,  and  from  opal 
To  the  gold-blue  of  night.    How  can  we  die  ? 

ZULEIKA. 
It  is  a  lovely  land. 

RAHAB. 

Proud  are  we,  too, 
In  traffic  maritime :  our  traders  fare 


RAHAB  27 

Loaden  with  costly  stuffs  and  purple  dyes 
Phoenician ;  merchant-men  seek  out  our  wares, 
Our  goldsmiths  and  our  silversmiths  have  art 
Most  excellent — 

[Knock  on  door;  both  startled. 
RAHAB  motions  to  ZULEIKA  to 
open  it.  Latter  draws  aside  cur- 
tains. Enter  at  the  left,  SAL- 
MON and  HOREB,  spies  of 
Israel;  the  former  is  princely  in 
bearing.  Both  seem  out  of 
breath.  They  salute  the  women. 
Their  dress,  of  sombre  colour,  is 
sternly  simple,  in  marked  con- 
trast with  the  luxury-loving  in- 
habitants of  Jericho.  They  seem 
like  hardy  plainsmen. 
RAHAB. 

Can  we  be  ne'er  alone! 
[RAHAB  and  ZULEIKA  withdraw  a 
little  and  regard  the  two  stran- 
gers. 


28  RAHAB 

ZULEIKA. 

Some  wily  Babylonians,  sleek  of  tongue, 
Fooling  us  out  of  treasure. 
RAHAB. 

Rather  seem  they 
Men  of  the  plain,  girt  up  for  arduous  quests. 

SALMON  (to  RAHAB,). 
Lady,  thy  pardon.    We  are  travellers, 
Our  home  beyond  the  river :  footsore,  starved, 
We  crave  but  food  and  drink,  an  hour  of  rest, 
Ere  we  take  up  our  journey. 

RAHAB  (to  ZULEIKA). 

Fetch  in  food 
And  drink. 

[ ZULEIKA  goes  out. 
As  strangers,  ye  are  welcome  here. 
My  name  is  Rahab. 

SALMON. 

Lady,  mine  is  Salmon, 
And  this  is  Horeb.    Marvellous  the  land 
That  breeds  such  women,  large  of  heart,  I  see, 


RAHAB  29 

And  lovely  as  the  desert's  dim  mirage 
To  one  half  dead  for  water. 

[Re-enter  ZULEIKA,  two  slaves  fol- 
lowing with   food   and   drink, 
which  is  placed  at  left  back;  the 
slaves  then  retire. 
RAHAB. 

Pray  eat,  good  sirs. 
Your  looks  are  haggard. 

[Both  sit  and  eat.  SALMON  looks 
repeatedly  at  RAHAB;  HOREB 
is  also  struck  by  her  beauty. 
RAHAB  and  ZULEIKA  confer 
together;  then  RAHAB  goes  to- 
wards the  window,  and  SALMON 
joins  her.  ZULEIKA  and  HOREB 
together  at  the  table. 


Fair  thy  mistress  is  ; 
Fairer  her  handmaiden. 

ZULEIKA. 

In  love  and  war, 


30  RAHAB 

All  men  are  one :  alike  for  fond  or  fierce, 
Alien,  and  those  of  Jericho. 
HOREB. 

Nay,  nay, 

In  war  and  love  my  countrymen  are  swift 
As  dread  monsoons  that  cloud  the  eye  of  day 
And  bury  it  in  sand. 

ZULEIKA. 

But  fickle,  like 

Mid-desert  fountains,  dry  when  most  the  need 
Of  living  water. 

HOREB. 

Wine  thou  art,  not  water. 
[  Tries  to  seize  her. 

RAHAB 
(to  SALMON,). 

Thou  art  sufficed :  then  I  will  leave  thee. 
SALMON. 

Stay! 

Leave  me  not  yet.    Lady,  there  is  a  thirst 
Not  of  the  body,  but  whereby  the  soul 
Is  mad  for  drink.    Now  in  thine  eyes  I  quench 


RAHAB  31 

That  torture,  and  thy  presence  makes  me  strong. 
Stay,  that  both  soul  and  body  nourished  be. 

[RAHAB  halts  reluctantly;  then 
seats,  herself,  while  ZULEIKA 
goes  up  stage  with  HOREB. 
Faint  sound  of  horn  heard  out- 
side. SALMON  starts  at  it,  and 
hastens  to  confer  with  HOREB, 
who  tries  to  hold  him  back. 

SALMON. 

Nay,  hold  me  not :  it  is  our  only  chance 
To  gain  her  goodwill ;  else  like  dogs  we  die. 
And,  by  our  tribe,  I  love  her ! 
HOREB. 

By  our  tribe, 

That  is  no  marvel,  for  she  breeds  men's  love 
As  rivers  run  and  grass  grows. 

SALMON 
(comes  quickly  to  RAHAB,). 

We  are  men 

Of  Israel,  across  the  Jordan  sent 
By  Joshua,  great  leader  of  our  folk, 


32  RAHAB 

To  spy  the  land.      Yon  horn  means   danger, 

death 

To  us,  unless  thou  haply  hidest  us  twain 
From  capture. 

RAHAB. 

Treason?  Traitors  in  my  house ? 
Summon  the  guard! 

[HOREB    and  ZuLElKA,    who   are 
seated,  at  the  rear,  rise. 

SALMON. 

Hear  me  a  moment  more. 
Rumour  hath  mumbled  of  a  certain  maid 
Of  Jericho— Rahab  by  name — her  life — 

RAHAB  (aside). 
Ah,  God,  her  life  I 

SALMON. 

Late-turned  to  holy  things, 
Because  our  God  calls  to  her  soul  of  souls 
With  winsome  words,  yet  strong:   when  that  I 

learned 
How  this  house  harboured  her, — all  desperate, 


RAHAB  33 

Hard-hunted,  nigh  to  doom,  my  comrade  here 
And  I  knew  this  our  only  chance :   we  knocked ; 
Thou   knowest  the  rest;    I  hoped   that  Israel's 

God 

Would  bid  thee  do  a  deed  should  save  our  lives 
And  build  his  glory. 

RAHAB 
(agitated). 

Yea,  and  build  my  shame — 
My  everlasting  shame !    Think  you  this  land 
Means   nothing    to    me — home,  and    kin,  and 

friends, 

Bound  by  a  thousand  blood-ties,  set  at  naught, 
And  all  for  what?    Two  chance-come  stranger 

men 

Would  raze  my  city,  proud  among  her  palms, 
And  set  an  alien  people,  where  of  old, 
From  immemorial  times  the  Canaanites 
Have  lived  at  quiet! — 'Twere  an  outlaw  deed! 
[Horn  louder  outside. 

HOREB. 
Danger,  Prince  Salmon !   Danger ! 


34  RAHAB 

SALMON. 

'Tis  the  guards ! 

Haply,  O  lady,  I  may  seem  to  speak 
But  for  myself, — my  country,  and  my  cause. 
But  I  have  looked  upon  thy  face, — none  such 
In  Israel ! — fed  me  at  thy  gaze :  I  beg 
Now,  not  for  me,  but  thee — 

RAHAB. 
What  mean'st  thou  ?    "Speak ! 

SALMON. 

It  is  ordained  by  God,  through  Joshua, 
This  Jericho  shall  fall  by  fire  and  sword. 
For  seven  days — so  spake  the  Lord  of  Hosts 
To  Joshua — the  city  shall  be  compassed ; 
But  on  the  seventh,  it  shall  come  to  pass 
Seven  trumpets  of  rams'  horns  shall  blow 
Long  blasts,  and  Jericho's  so  mighty  walls 
Fall  flat,  and  all  thy  doomed  folk  go  down 
To  utter  desolation. — Save  us  two, 
That  we  may  carry  back  the  news,  and  thou 
And  all  thy  kin  shall  be  passed  o'er,  alone, 
Of  all  the  place:  this,  by  my  faith,  I  swear! 


RAHAB  35 

RAHAB 

(wonderingly). 

An  horn  blast  ?  Not  a  touch  of  mortal  blows, 
And  our  deep-founded  walls,  massy  and  ancient, 
Shall  crumble  like  the  plaything  of  a  child  ? 

SALMON. 
Even  so. 

RAHAB. 

How  may  my  house,  now  firmly  set 
Here  on  the  wall,  escape  such  overthrow 
And  ruin  ? 

SALMON. 

Miracle  to  miracle 

Added :  thy  house  and  its  foundation  wall 
Shall  stand  unhurt,  even  as  thy  family 

Shall  unharmed  hide. 
• 
RAHAB 

(as  if  to  herself). 

My  kin,  my  helpless  mother, 
My  old,  grey  father,  and  the  cosset-lamb, 
My  sister,  she — there's  torture  in  thy  tongue ! 


36  RAHAB 

SALMON. 

I  ask  it,  too, — because  I  love  thee,  Rahab; 
Would  save  thee  for  myself, — not  for  our  God 
Alone,  but  with  the  worship  of  my  body 
Consecrate  to  high  uses. 

RAHAB 

(slowly,  ivonderingly). 

Thou  dost  love  ? 
Ah,  wert  thou  of  my  folk — 

SALMON. 

Be  thou  of  mine! 
Thou  shall  be  mine,  until  the  end  of  days. 

[He  approaches,  as  if  to  lay  hands 
on  her. 

RAHAB. 

I  am  dazed. — Nay,  touch  me  not,  not  like  the 
others. 

[She  suddenly  kneels  to  him. 
Lay  thy  two  hands  upon  my  hair :  the  first 
Caress  in  years  that  lacks  of  fierce  desire, 
And  feels  like  tenderness.    I  know  a  virtue 


RAHAB  37 

Went  forth  from  thee  to  me:    the  spokesman 

thou 
Of  thy  great  God. 

SALMON. 

And  thy  true  lover,  Rahab ! 
( The  horn  winds  again.) 
Again  the  horn !  What  is  thy  will  to  do  ? 

[Takes  a  jewel  from  a  girdle  at  his 

side. 

Here  is  a  gem  of  talismanic  worth, 
Long  in  my  keeping;  treasure  it  as  life 
Is  treasured. 

RAHAB. 
How  it  throbs  with  luminous  lights  I 

SALMON. 

The  graver  graved  it  cunningly,  and  set 
A  wondrous  word  thereon :  Kismet — 'tis  fate — 
Token  that  we  are  plighted,  e'en  though  war 
Divide  our  peoples. 

RAHAB 
(looking  at  the  gem). 

'Tis  a  gift  of  price : 


38  RAHAB 

A  white  great  pearl  1     I  lay  it  on  my  heart. 

SALMON. 

Thy  loveliness  shall  warm  it.    Legend  saith 
Its  lustre  dims  if  she  who  wears  it  wavers 
From  stedfast  faith;  give  it  me  pure  again, 
Sweet  with  thy  bosom,  all  its  white  undimmed 
In  life  or  death.   (The  horn  sounds  again.)  The 
horn  sounds  nearer,  love ! 

RAHAB 

(to  both  men). 

Hark  you.    Take  yonder  way  up  to  the  roof. 
There  lie  you  down  beneath  the  flax.    I'll  send 
The  guards  a  face-about. — You  must  not  take 
The  river  way;  the  fords  are  hazardous; 
Now  is  the  barley  harvest,  and  the  Jordan 
Full  to  overflowing,  and  her  banks  do  lave 
The  land  on  either  side  for  fruitful  miles, 
Kissing  it  into  bloom;  hence,  must  you  'scape 
North,  to  the  mountains.      From  the  wall  I'll 
hang 

[Looks  about,  snatches  a  red  cord 
from  one  of  the  idols. 


RAHAB  39 

This  scarlet  cord ;  thereby  you  may  descend 
Amidst  the  trees — and  so,  free,  and  away  1 

SALMON. 

My  portion  death,  if  I  this  deed  forget 
Hear  me,  Almighty  God !    That  self-same  cord, 
Hung  from  thy  dwelling  when  the  siege  is  hot, 
All  Israel  pressing  close  on  Jericho, 
Shall  be  the  sacred  sign  to  spare  this  house. 
Let  not  one  soul  go  forth  from  out  thy  door, 
For  whoso  goes,  shall  die.    Keep  thou  within ; 
My  oath  is  sworn.    Dear,  we  shall  meet  again 
Beneath  the  cypresses,  under  the  stars ! 

[Horn  close  at  hand;  knocking  at 
door.  RAHAB  hurries  them  off 
at  the  right.  Knocking  contin- 
ues. She  hands  ZULEIKA  the 
red  cord. 

RAHAB. 
See  that  the  cord  is  hung. 

[Exit  ZULEIKA,  after  the  spies. 
[RAHAB  goes  to  the   opposite   en- 
trance,    draws    curtains    back, 


40  R  A  H  A  B 

opens  door.  Enter  ZEMAN,  and 
half  a  dozen  soldiers. 

ZEMAN. 

No  sign  of  them ! 
Lady,  we  seek  two  spies  of  Israel 
Were  seen  to  creep  this  way,  nor  go  not  hence : 
Men  desperate,  and  dangerous  to  the  weal. 

RAHAB. 

Wore  one,  the  larger  of  the  two,  a  tunic 
Tufted  with  purple? 

[Re-enter  ZULEIKA,  goes  up  stage, 
and  stands  looking  at  RAHAB. 

ZEMAN. 

'Tis  reported  so. 
RAHAB  (looking  questioningly  at  ZULEIKA,  who 

nods). 

The  men  but  lately  left  my  door;  they  asked 
Straitly  for  bread  and  water,  then  made  off 
By  the  right   river  path — thou    canst  not   miss 
them. 


RAHAB  41 

ZEMAN. 

(suspicious  and  hesitating). 
Lady,  I  would  have  warrant  of  thy  word : 
Thy  way  of  life  is  talked  of. 
RAHAB. 

Very  like. 

Convince  thee.     (Shows  King's  signet.)     Look, 
the  Signet  of  the  King  I 

[ZEMAN  bends  knee,  kisses  the  Sig- 
net, and  withdraws  as  he  came. 

ZULEIKA. 

The  scarlet  cord  gleams  from  the  window  ledge. 
Mistress,  what  hast  thou  done? 
RAHAB. 

O  girl,  in  truth, 

I  scarcely  know.    Meseems  that  I  obey 
The  Dream,  the  Vision. — Zeman  have  I  foiled. 
The  men  must  take  the  mountain  pass,  there  hide 
Till  search  is  o'er. 

ZULEIKA. 

O  Rahab !  the  poor  land ! 


OF  THE 
UNIVERSITY 


42  RAHAB 

RAHAB. 
Cease,  cease,  thy  words  are  stabs!    Canst  thou 

not  see 

I  do  it  for  the  God  of  Israel? 
Or  was  it  for  my  kinsmen  ?  So  I  think. 
My  head  goes  round. — Nay,  nay,  I  will  not  lie  1 
"Beneath  the  cypresses,  under  the  stars"  .... 
I  did  it  for  my  love,  my  love,  my  love ! 

[RAHAB  draws  the  pearl  from  her 
bosom,  and  kisses  it,  as  curtain 
goes  down.  Sounds  of  trumpet 
without,  growing  fainter  as  pur- 
suit of  the  spies  dies  in  the  dis- 
tance. 


CURTAIN. 


ACT  II. 


Now  Jericho  was  straitly  shut  up,  because  of 
the  children  of  Israel;  none  went  out  and  none 
came  in.  JOSHUA  vi.  I. 


ACT  II. 

THIRST  day  of  the  siege.  A  superb 
J-  afternoon  in  the  garden  of  Rahab.  A 
great  central  path  leads  up  stage  to  steps  by 
which  one  surmounts  the  wall  from  the  city; 
richly  chased  metal  seats  about;  flower- 
bordered  side-paths,  giving  left  on  Rahab' s 
house,  right  on  wall.  Tropical  plants, 
idols  of  the  gods  in  bronze  and  ivory  amidst 
shrubbery.  Effect  of  elevation  above  city, 
which  glitters  picturesquely  in  distance. 
Sounds  outside  from  time  to  time  implying 
disorder  and  danger. 

Curtain  discovers  RAHAB  sitting  in  a  sad 
lethargy  on  metal  seat.  ZULEIKA,  in  the 
background,  peers  through  palms,  towards 
the  city,  then  comes  down  and  joins  RAHAB. 

ZULEIKA. 
But  yesterday,  music  and  dance  were  rife, 

45 


46  RAHAB 

And  revel.    Now,  no  sounds  of  singing  come 
From  out  the  city :  'tis  a  woful  change. 
Our  house  is  like  a  sepulchre. 
RAHAB. 

The  King 

Bade  me  to  cease  from  pleasure.    I  obey: 
My  father's  wish  is  sacred. 
ZULEIKA. 

Who  would  dream 
That  trouble  brooded  o'er  a  day  so  fair ! 

RAHAB. 

'Tis  wonderful ;  such  weather  should  be  sung 
To  sound  of  lutes. 

[A  faint  sound  from  the  city. 
ZULEIKA. 
The  city  murmurs  and  moans. 

RAHAB 

(dreamily) . 

Sweet  smells  that  come    from    gardens    always 

seem 

As  tokens  there  are  spirits  dwelling  there 
Better  than  mortal  folk.    I  wonder,  girl, 


R  A  H  A  B  47 

Hath  Israel  such  odours  ? — Fancy-monger  I 

How  the  birds  sing !    Siege  and  the  havoc  of  war 
They  rest  above ;  their  eyrie  is  the  air, 
The  trees  their  citadels  and  homes  of  peace. 

ZULEIKA. 
How  canst  thou  babble  of   the    birds!     Thou 

hearest 
The  gates  assailed? 

RAHAB. 

I  marvel  at  myself. 
I  am  as  one  that,  desperately  calm, 
Sits  quiet  o'er  an  earthquake ;  here  am  I 
Spent  with  my  father-grief  and  riven  by  love, 
And   fear,    and   hope — prating   of   gardens. — 

Fool!  (Rises.) 

How  long  ago  the  messenger  went  forth ! 
'Tis  time  my  kinsfolk*  came :  go,  look  again, 
Zuleika. 

ZULEIKA. 

They  have  never  come  before ; 
Maybe  they  will  not  now. 


48  RAHAB 

RAHAB 
(bitterly). 

Thou  speakest  truth! 
Why  should  they  come,  indeed?     I  left  them, 

killed 

Their  pride  in  me.    But  Asenath  and  mother 
Are  women,  and  I  think  that  they  will  come 
Out  of  pure  pity ;  and  my  father,  led 
By  the  King's  signet,  for  I  set  the  seal 
Deep  in  the  wax,  and  he  will  deem  me  one 
The  ruler  favours  and  hath  whispered  some 
State  secret, — drugged  by  potions  from  love's 

cup. 
What  seest  thou ?  Aught  of  them? 

ZULEIKA. 
(looking  off  at  the  right). 

They  come,  they  come — 
Thy  mother  and  thy  sister! 
RAHAB. 

But  my  sire, 

He  will  not  here,  he  shuns  my  house  of  mirth. 
My  father  must  be  saved;  I  hear  the  words 


RAHAB  49 

Of  Salmon  ever :  "Let  no  soul  go  forth 
From  out  thy  doors,  for  whoso  goes  shall  die." 

[Enter,  at  the  right,  RAHAB'S 
mother,  AMORAH,  and  sister, 
ASENATH.  They  stand  timidly 
at  entrance,  looking  about  as  if 
in  an  unwonted  place.  RAHAB 
hastens  to  embrace  both,  show- 
ing especial  tenderness  for  ASE- 
NATH. 

ASENATH 
(falteringly). 
Rahab,  thou  bad'st  us 

RAHAB. 

Dear  ones,  welcome  here; 
Welcome,  my  dear  ones,  welcome  to  my  house. 

,AMORAH. 
Thy  father  might  not  come.     .     .     .     . 

RAHAB. 

Yea,  yea,  I  know. 
He  shuns  me,  shames  to  call  me  child.    O  God  I 


50  RAHAB 

AMORAH. 
Affairs  of  state  compel  him 

RAHAB. 

Cursed  he  not 
His  daughter? 

ASENATH. 
We  would  listen  to  no  curse ! 

AMORAH. 

He  spake  harsh  words ;  but  grief,  not  anger,  lies 
At  bottom. 

ASENATH. 

But  we  knew  thy  heart  was  good; 
Thou  sentest  for  us  in  kindness — 
RAHAB. 

Oh,  in  love, 

In  utter  love.    (Seats  them  at  a  settle.    To  Zu- 
LEIKA,  who  goes  out  at  the  left.) 

Let  them  have  wine  and  food 
Prepared  within;  sweet  drink  and  dainties  too. 
Dear  hearts,  I  bade  you  come  that  I  might  feast 
Mine  eyes  upon  you ;  we  must  talk,  we  three, 


RAHAB  51 

About  the  city,  sore  beleaguered 
With  perils. 

AMORAH. 

Aye,  how  terrible !  Thy  father 
Grows  haggard  with  it ;  hardly  have  I  slept 
A  wink  these  three  nights,  what  with  ominous 

sounds 
And  pitfalls  lurking  in  the  open  streets. 

RAHAB. 
Poor  mother!   Thou  must  needs  have  rest;  and 

now 

Within  my  pleasaunce  thou  may'st  safely  lie. 
The  siegers  gather  before  the  gates  of  brass 
Far  on  the  city's  further  side ;  and  here 
We  may  look  forth  and  glimpse  the  ways  of  war, 
Our  sight  framed  in  by  birds'  nests. 
[ZULEIKA  re-enters. 
AMORAH. 

Thank  thee,  child. 
RAHAB. 

Zuleika,  lead  the  lady  to  my  chamber, 
And  let  the  door  be  guarded :   thou  must  bide 


52  RAHAB 

The  night :  I  cannot  let  thee  go  till  morn. 

Nay,     till    the    day   that   Jericho   is   doomed. 

(Aside.) 

[ZULEIKA  conducts  AMORAH  off, 
into  RAHAB'S  house.  The  sis- 
ters sit,  RAHAB  drawing  ASE- 
NATH  tenderly  to  her. 

RAHAB 

(to  AMORAH,  as  she  goes  off). 
Sleep  tranquilly,  my  mother. — Little  one, 
I  dared  not  tell  our  mother,  but  to  thee 
I  will,  for  I  would  have  thee  understand 
Why  so  insistently  my  messengers 
Have  urged  thy  coming,  called  my  kinsfolk  to 
This  haunt  of  license. 

ASENATH. 

Sister,  say  not  so ! 
Dear  Rahab,  where  thou  goest  is  no  shame. 

RAHAB. 

I  doubt  our  mother  might  disburden  all 
My  pack  of  news :  she's  waxen  old,  of  late, 


RAHAB  53 

The  years  have  loosed  her  tongue :   my  father's 

wrath 

Were  loud  and  bitter,  should  I  open  wide 
My  heart,  and  spill  its  tidings.    Listen,  dear, 
And  let  my  words  be  buried  in  thy  soul 
As  in  a  tomb. 

ASENATH. 
I  will.    ORahab,! 
Tremble,  I  know  not  wherefore. 

RAHAB. 

Hush,  and  hear. 

'Twas  yesterweek;  two  spies  of  Israel 
Knocked  at  my  door;  from  them  I  took  the  tid- 
ings 

That  warrior  folk  who  dwell  beyond  the  Jordan, 
Led  by  their  mighty  captain,  Joshua, 
Would  soon  lay  siege  before  this  Jericho 
And  raze  it  to  the  ground. 

ASENATH. 

Thou  told'st  the  King — 
Thou  warned' st  our  father? 


54  RAHAB 

RAHAB. 

Nay,  I  hid  the  spies. 

ASENATH 

(draws  back  in  astonishment). 
Thou  hid'st  our  enemies? 
RAHAB. 

'Twas  even  so. 

For  I  obey  the  living  God ;  besides, 
I  loved  the  leader  of  the  twain,  a  man 
Noble,  of  princely  mien. 

ASENATH. 

Thou  loved'st — a  foe  ? 
I  scarce  can  understand     ....     but  it  was 

right, 
If  Rahab  chose  to  do  it! 

RAHAB. 

Full  of  faith! 

My  Asenath,  this  city  of  our  birth 
Sinning  light-heartedly  beneath  bright  skies, 
Is  doomed — not  by  the  hand  of  Joshua, 
But  of  high  God. — I  saw  it  in  a  dream. 

[Rises,  recites  as  if  in  a  trance. 


RAHAB  55 

Our  idols  topple,  luxury  and  lust 

Rule  us,  the  very  capitals  upon 

Our  temples — white   pomegranates    laced  with 

leaves — 

Are  evil  things,  bespeak  our  ribaldry, 
Symbols  of  shame.    This  Jericho  must  fall .... 
Must  fall.     .     .     . 

ASENATH. 

Oh,  then  our  ruin  is  at  hand ! 
Why  should  our  gods  forsake  sweet  Jericho  ? 

RAHAB. 

Because  her  soul  is  dead ;  her  body  breathes 
Alone.    I  have  been  part  of  it,  my  flesh 
Partook  of  this  corruption ;  I  must  save 
My  soul ; — it  is  a  call  that  rings  from  God 
Above  all  city  claims.      If  any  place 
Help  not  the  spirit  in  its  climb  toward  God, 
'Tis  no"  true  mother. 

ASENATH. 

I  know  not  of  him, 

This  God  thou  namest,  but  I  soothly  know 
That  Rahab  is  my  sister  whom  I  love, 


56  RAHAB 

My  Beautiful,  whose  words  are  wise  and  good, 
Likewise  her  ways. 

RAHAB. 

Sweet,  I  will  tell  thee  more : 
I  let  a  scarlet  cord  hang  from  the  ledge, 
And  when  the  soldiers  of  the  King  were  come 
Who  sought  the  spies,  straightway  I  lied  to  them. 
The  two  of  Israel  escaped  thereby; 
But  first  they  sware,  whenso  they  should  return, 
My  house  alone  of  all  among  the  dwellings 
In  Jericho,  should  'scape  the  fire  and  sword, 
That  self-same  cord  the  sign. 

ASENATH. 

Oh,  now  I  see, 
Thou  bad'st  us  here — 

RAHAB. 

Since  here  is  the  sole  place 
Of  safety,  when  our  strongholds  bite  the  dust. 
These  men  of  Israel  are  conquerors, 
Sparing  nor  men  nor  women ;  nay,  they  kill 
The  old  and  young,  and  every  manner  of  beast — 
The  sword-edge  eats  them. 


RAHAB  57 

ASENATH 
(huddling  up  to  RAHAB,). 

Rahab,  can  it  be? 

Oh,  I  will  stay  within,  and  so  must  thou; 
But  father, — he — 

RAHAB. 

Will  forth  on  things  of  state, 
Unless  by  sleight  we  hold  him ;  thou  must  help. 
They  shall  remain  indoors;  when  Salmon  spake 
'(Salmon  he's  called,  I  did  not  tell  his  name) , 

uLet  not  a  single  soul  go  forth 
Across  thy  threshold,  for  who  goes,  shall  die." 
And  he  will  keep  his  promise,  none  shall  die 
Within    our   house, — though   he,  my   warrior- 
prince, 

Haply  may  perish,  haply  long  ere  this 
Forgets  the  moodful  maid  he  sware  it  to, 
My  transient  face  slipt  from  his  memory, 
As  to  a  seaman  fades  some  obscure  cape 
That   melts   in   mist.     .     .     .     No,    he    hath 

faithful  eyes — 
Will  keep  his  oath  1 


58  RAHAB 

ASENATH. 

Sweet  sister,  weep  not  so. 
True  lovers  do  not  change. 
RAHAB. 

Dear  innocence ! 

My  soul  has  long  been  soiled;  so,  sacrifice 
Befits  me :  when  the  stormy  hosts  with  rams 
Batter  the  walls,  and  shrill  the  war-horse  neighs, 
To  make  the  compact  sure,  then  I  will  go 
Out  at  the  door  to  bid  them  stay  their  hands 
Against  my  dear  ones  safely  housed  inside. 
Salmon, — my  God! 

ASENATH. 

Rahab,  thou  shalt  not  do  it! 
Thou  must  be  safe  for  Salmon,  he  would  guard 
Thy  dear  head,  sacredly,  thou  must  not  die. 
I  know  our  gods  cry  out  for  sacrifice, 
Even  of  women  and  babes.    The  Jordan  flood 
Murmurs  strange  stories  of  the  wretched  ones 
Doomed  there  to  drown,  or  fed  to  Moloch's 

maw; 
So  old  nurse  Reba  told  me  many  a  time, 


RAHAB  59 

Paling  my  blood.  But  thou  art  dear  and  good, 
And  once  a  mage  did  come  from  far  beyond 
The  river,  strangely  garbed,  and  at  our  house 
He  lodged ;  and  when  I  said  good-bye  to  him 
Early  at  morn,  he  looked  full  fatherly 
Upon  me,  and  he  said: 

"My  little  one, 

Be  good,  for  nothing  evil  e'er  befalls 
The  good." 

And  thou  art  good,  my  sister,  so 
Not  meant  to  die. 

RAHAB 
(dreamily). 

Salmon  was  tall,  and  wore 
A  kind  of  grace  about  him  like  a  garment : 
He  drew  my  heart.     .     .     .       "Under  the  cy- 
presses, 
Beneath  the  stars!"     .... 

ASENATH. 

It  seems  like  the  old  time, 
When  we  did  sleep  together;  'twas  thy  wont 
To  fold  me  close  from  cold,  and  tell  me  tales 


60  RAHAB 

Of  heroes,  and  I  thrilled  to  hear  thee  speak 
So  wondrously :  and  then — I  know  not  why — 
Thou  vanishedst,  and  the  happy  days  were  done. 
They  told  me  thou  wert  worldly,  wished  no  more 
To  see  us — 'twas  untrue :  but  thou  wert  lost 
To  me,  and  I  must  do  without  my  playmate, 
Make  mine  own  stories,  dream  my  dreams  alone. 
But  thou  art  here,  and  lov'st  me. 

RAHAB. 

I  remember 

My  father,  on  the  very  night  I  fled, 
Did  kiss  me  on  the  brow ;  that  one  caress 
Burned  through  a  thousand  lecheries,  and  kept 
My  tears  aflow ;  I  loved  him  from  that  hour 
Doubly. 

ASENATH. 

I,  too,  remember;  it  was  Spring. 

RAHAB. 

Each  Spring  that  comes  to  light  our  dusty  way, 
Is  like  a  dream  of  youth,  freshening  a  world 
Grown  old  and  weary. 


RAHAB  61 

ASENATH. 

It  is  Autumn  now. 
RAHAB. 

Autumn,  indeed.    Ah,  Asenath,  those  days 
Seem  to  me  very  die-away  and  dim, 
Like  wind-bells  in  a  temple,  high  above 
Earth's  troubling,  with  a  music  thin  and  sweet. 
I  must  not  dwell  upon  them. 

[  The  sound  of  the  King's  trumpets 
outside.    Enter  AMORAH   hur- 
riedly from  the  house. 
AMORAH. 

Rahab,  list! 
'Tis  the  King's  blast.— 

ASENATH 
(aside  to  RAHAB,). 

The  secret  of  the  spies  ? 
He  knows— will  seize  us ! 

RAHAB. 

Never  fear  of  that! 
None  is  aware  in  Jericho, — unless 
Horeb  should  leak  it  like  a  pent-house  roof. 


62  RAHAB 

AMORAH. 

Displeasure  not  the  King, — for  he  is  quick 
To  wreak  revenge. 

RAHAB. 

His  King  is  on  my  side — 

The  august  King  of  Kings.  (Aside.) — Mother, 
fear  naught. 

[Enter  NATHANIAH  impetuously, 
at  the  centre,  followed  by  a 
guard  of  half  a  dozen  soldiers 
of  Jericho.  He  checks  himself 
on  seeing  RAHAB. 
NATHANIAH. 

I  come  to  one  hath  never  passed  our  lintel 
Since  the  dark  day  she  left  it  to  our  shame. 

RAHAB 
(approaches  him  with  appeal  in  her  eyes;  her 

voice  is  precative). 
But  I  rejoice  that  thou  art  come. 
NATHANIAH. 

Stand  back ! 
I  seek  thy  sister  and  thy  mother. 


RAHAB  63 

RAHAB. 

I 

Am  likewise  sister,  daughter, — and  have  begged 
To  have  thee  here — 

NATHANIAH. 

There's  menace  in  the  air, 
The  city  shrinks  and  trembles :  hostile  spears 
Are  at  her  gates:   famine,  fire,  and  sword 
Haply  to-morrow  overwhelm  our  homes. 
Unlucky  Canaan !    Would  our  youngest  born 
Were  dutiful !  'Twere  comfort  in  this  stress, 
This  carnage  and  confusion. 
AMORAH. 

Say  not  so. 

Father,  vent  not  harsh  words ;  her  heart  is  good ; 
Surely  she  sent  for  us  in  kindness,  hath 
Great  news,  of  moment  to  our  welfare. 

ASENATH. 

Aye, 
Rahab  is  true,  will  help  us. 

NATHANIAH. 

Day  by  day 


64  RAHAB 

Thou  revellest  as  a  wanton  midst  thy  mates, 
While  this  proud  city  is  in  travail  sore, 
And  I  beside  the  King  to  steer  her  course. 
Curses  upon  thee  1    Barren  be  thy  womb, 
Milkless  thy  breasts !  Unwillingly  I  came, 
Unwilling  stay. 

AMORAH 

(going  to  a  statue  of  Baal  and  kneeling). 
Ye  gods,  forgive  our  child, 
And  pity  Jericho. 

RAHAB. 
I  own  my  sin, 

My  giddiness ;  but  I  have  bid  thee  come 
In  love  and  yearning.    I  would  save  thee ! 

NATHANIAH 
(contemptuously) . 

How 
May  she  save  others,  could  not  save  herself? 

RAHAB. 
Because  she  knows  the  anguish  of  the  lost ! 

NATHANIAH 
(to  soldiers,  who  fall  back  at  his  word). 


RAHAB  65 

I'll  hear  her :  haply  through  some  lover's  blab 
She  learns  the  enemy's  gin. 
RAHAB. 

Dear  ones,  I  speak 
Like  any  child. 

NATHANIAH. 

Thou  that  hast  borne  no  child 
To  take  our  name,  and  prop  our  failing  years ! 

RAHAB 
(solemnly). 
That  time  shall  come. 

[Music  plays  softly,  repeating  main 
motif  in  the  song  sung  by  LELA 
in  Act  I.,  a  barbaric,  minor 
strain  of  mingled  wildness  and 
sweetness. 

I  bring  a  sweet,  strange  thing; 
I  carry  not  a  child,  but  a  great  thought ; 
Big  am  I  with  its  burden. 

NATHANIAH. 

Bring  it  forth. 
Women  like  thee,  'tis  said,  look  longingly 


66  RAHAB 

On  babes  at  breast — that  cannot  be  their  own. 
RAHAB. 

Aye,  that  is  sooth :   Motherhood  beckons  me 
Beyond  a  mist  of  blood,  like  a  white  flame ! 

[Looks  a  warning  to  ASENATH. 
This  Jericho  is  lost! 

NATHANIAH. 

Traitress,  beware! 
My  sword  will  leap  to  light!     Our  walls  still 

stand, 
And  no  man  knows  our  fate. 

AMORAH 

(goes  to  an  idol). 

Oh,  let  us  bow 
Unto  our  gods,  since  they  are  masterful. 

[RAHAB  rushes  to  her,  and  over- 
throws the  idol  from  its  pedes- 
tal; it  crashes  on  to  the  floor. 
The  others  instinctively  draw 
away. 


RAHAB  67 

RAHAB. 

Bend  not  the  knee :  these  are  the  shrines  of  doom 
Have  dragged  us  down  to  slaughter  and  to  death. 

NATHANIAH. 

So!    Impious,  too?   Love-toy  and  idol-breaker! 
This  land  of  ours  is  specially  watched  o'er 
By  Baal  and  his  consort  Ashtoreth, 
Giver  of  wine,  great  goddess  of  the  Sun. 
Barest  thou  mock  at  these  ? 
RAHAB. 

Father,  I  dare. 

The  sea  hath  wider  ways  than  all  the  lands, 
Vaster  her  realm :  beyond  the  outmost  isles 
The  old  eternal  wash.    So  of  the  soul. 
Back  of  these  idols  broods  the  living  One. 
There  is  a  God,  beyond  the  Jordan  now, 
But  speedily  to  come  and  cleanse  this  sty — 
In  whose  right  hand  I  rest. 

NATHANIAH 

(sneerlngly) . 

What  god  is  this, 
A  ruler  over  brothels  ? 


68  RAHAB 

RAHAB. 

Father,  scan 

My  face.    Is  there  brute  passion  graved  upon  it  ? 
I  speak  because — a  vision  bade  me  see 
Our  city's  downfall. 

NATHANIAH. 
Vision  ?  What,  and  where  ? 

RAHAB. 

Last  night,  for  the  third  time,  a  solemn  dream, 
And  our  destruction  shown  as  in  a  ball 
Of  crystal,  clear,  irrevocable,  my  house 
Alone  left  upright. 

NATHANIAH. 

Whims  and  fancies  all ! 

No  time  for  further  chatter.    (To  AMORAH  and 
ASENATHJ    Let  us  hence ! 

RAHAB 

(with  rising  excitement). 
Leave  thou  these  two  behind,  and  come  thyself 
Within   the   week.     I     ....     may  have 
pregnant  news 


RAHAB  69 

Upon  the  seventh  day  of  siege     .     .     .     such 

news 

That  thou  wilt  covet  it,  if  it  should  chance 
That  Jericho's  sore-straitened. 
NATHANIAH 
(signals  to  soldiers  to  follow). 

Let  thy  news 

Be  more  than  dream-built.  I  will  to  the  walls. 
Stay  ye,  if  so  ye  will;  my  time  is  wasted 
In  talk — farewell ! 

[He  goes  out  at  centre  down  the 

wall,  followed  by  his  guard. 
[RAHAB  sinks  into   a  seat,  hiding 
her  face  in  her  hands.  ZULEIKA 
enters  hastily  from  the  house. 

ZULEIKA. 

Lady,  the  Israelite  is  here,  would  have 
An  -audience. 

RAHAB. 

The  Israelite?   Tis  he.  (A side.) , 
'Tis  Salmon !    Bid  him  in. 

(Goes  to  others.)   Leave  me  now. 


70  RAHAB 

I     ....    must  see  one  who  brings  me  se- 
cret tidings 
Of  pith  for  Jericho. 

[Hurries  them  into  the  house;  then 
returns  and  nervously  makes  her 
dress  and  hair  seemly. 

He  comes,  perchance, 

To  make  me  twofold  sure  he  will  remember 
His  words.    His  life's  in  peril,  for  the  siege 
Is  nigh !    But  his  high  God,  and  mine,  will  watch 
And  ward  away  all  evil. 

[ZuLElKA  ushers  in  HOREB  from 
the  house. 

Horeb!  Thou? 
HOREB. 

Yea,  lady, — I  have  come — 
RAHAB. 

Doubtless  to  see 
Zuleika,  though  she  may  not  wait  thee  now. 

[Signs  for  ZULEIKA  to  withdraw, 
and  the  girl  goes  out  towards 
the  house. 


^ 

RAHAB  71 

HOREB. 
Nay,  I  am  for  her  mistress ! 

RAHAB. 

Not  for  me  ? 

HOREB. 

Even  so,  girl.  (Thrusts  his  hand  into  his  bosom.) 
I  bear  within  my  breast — 

RAHAB. 
A  message  ?  Word  from  Salmon  ? 

HOREB. 

Nay,  love's  word ! 

Thy  lover-lord's  too  busy  with  the  spears 
To  dote  on  thee,  and  call  thee  dear:  our  hosts 
Come  but  free-booting  into  Jericho, 
And  claim  war-baggage:   girls  and  gold  and 

gems, 

And  wines  and  scented  woods. 
RAHAB. 

A  dastard  lie ! 
HOREB 
(Noises  heard  from  the  city). 


j±  RAHAB 

Tigress,  be  tamed!     Hark,  to  the  shuddering 

shock 

Of  broadswords;  all  the  winy  air 
Hums  like  a  mighty  hive  of  golden  bees 
With  arrows.    Buoyed  by  the  dream  of  thee, 
My  love  put  winged  sandals  to  my  feet, 
Charming  me  hither.    Fly,  ere  'tis  too  late ! 

RAHAB. 
Fly?  Not  with  thee? 

HOREB. 

Who  else  can  aid  thee  now  ? 
I  know  a  way  that  winds  far  underground, 
Then  threads  the  hills  and,  twisting  serpentine, 
Issues  at  the  very  foot  of  Lebanon; 
Above  are  odorous  cedars,  a  meet  place 
For  trothing;  let  us  leave  this  ill-starred  city 
And  shout  our  loves  under  the  shining  stars 
From  a  high  hill ! 

RAHAB. 

We  build  our  altars  there; 
Nor  use  such  places  for  flesh-fondlings,,  dog ! 


RAHAB  73 

Back  to  thy  master  and  thy  duty;  I 
Am  not  for  thee. 

HOREB. 

Thou  art  for  Israel. 
Thou  said'st  it,  and  I  love  thee. 

RAHAB. 

Love  me — thou! 

Call  not  lust  love.    Go,  fight;  thy  country's  cause 
Summons  her  sons,  brave  in  the  battle  press ! 

HOREB. 

Love  me  thou  shalt !    What  more  can  Salmon  do 
Than  I,  his  mate  ? 

RAHAB. 

Thou  never  read'st  my  soul ; 
Thou  art  a  stranger — go! 

HOREB. 

Leave  thee,  alone? 

Not  for  a  wedge  of  gold  whose  worth  in  weight 
Is  fifty  shekels. — To  the  mountain,  love  1 
[Seizes  her  roughly. 

RAHAB. 
No  man  shall  handle  me  save — 


74  R  A  H  A  B 

HOREB 
(laughing;  kisses  her). 

Horeb — so  I 
RAHAB. 

Wouldst  thou  then  hale  me  to  thy  trysting  bed ! 
This  is  not  conquering,  but  thieving,  robber ! 

HOREB. 

I  come  of  a  race  of  robbers !  Arabs  they 
Who  raped  the  harems  of  their  foes,  and  swept 
Like  wind  upon  slim  steeds  across  the  desert, 
Or  camped  with  riotings  beside  some  stream 
Whose  waters  cooled  their  drunken  bodies :  now 
I  would  reave  thee ! 

RAHAB 
(struggling). 

Thou  art  so  strong,  so  strong. 
O  Horeb,  pity  me !   I  am  a  woman 
Of  tempest  nature ;  my  unruly  blood 
Leaps  madly  to  thy  passion; — but  my  soul, 
My  soul  cries,  Nay. 

HOREB. 

To  Lebanon,  my  love. 
Rahab  of  Jericho! 


RAHAB  75 

RAHAB 
(tears  herself  from  him). 

Not  while  I  live 
To  struggle  and  to  hate ! 

HOREB. 

Thy  peacock  pride 

Shall  wilt,  if  I  but  open  my  sealed  lips, 
Tell  of  the  red  cord! 

RAHAB. 

What,  tale-bearer  too ! 
Are  thus  thy  women  won,  most  wonderful 
Of  tattlers  ? 

HOREB. 

Tattler,  traitor?  Thou  shalt  rue 
The  arrogant  words.  I  go  to  spread  the  news 
Shall  land  thee  in  a  dungeon — 

[  HOREB  turns  to  go,  and  is  con- 
fronted by  AMMON,  who  enters 
from  the  wall  and  blocks  the 
way. 

RAHAB 
(rushing  to  him). 

Save  rne,  Ammon ! 


76  RAHAB 

AMMON. 
What's  this  ?    An  alien  ? 

RAHAB. 

Yea,  an  Israelite. 
A  spy,  a  traitor ! 

AMMON. 
Traitor  ?  Then  he  dies.   (Draws  sword.) 

HOREB. 
Not  till  I  tell  thee— 

[ZuLEiKA,  who  has  entered  from 
the  house  just  before,  ap- 
proaches from  behind  and 
places  her  hand  over  HOREB'S 
mouth. 
ZULEIKA. 

Tell  it  in  thy  grave, 
False  son  of  Israel,  unclean  hanger-on  1 
The  maid  forsworn,  thou  wouldst  the  mistress 
woo. 

RAHAB 
(imperiously) . 

Enough,  Zuleika.  Ammon,  make  him  dumb; 
His  words  defile. 


RAHAB  77 

AMMON. 

So,  die,  thou  dog. 

[Stabs  HOREB.  As  the  latter  falls, 
RAHAB  with  her  hand  to  her 
heart  sinks  into  a  seat. 

He's  done. 

Such  deeds  are  nought  to  do  for  thee,  for  thee, 
Empress  of  passion,  royal  Rahab! 
[  Tries  to  embrace  her. 
RAHAB. 

Fly! 

Dally  not  here.    Thy  post  is  at  the  walls. 
Jericho  calls ! 

[After  a  moment's  hesitation,  he 
rushes  forth,  down  the  wall, 
into  the  city. 

RAHAB  (taking  Salmon's  gift  from  her  bosom). 

The  pearl  gleams  white ;  still  white 

My  thought  of  him !   Salmon,  our  secret's  safe ! 

[She  sits,  right.      ZULEIKA  stands 

with  knit  brows,  looking  down 

at   the   dead  body  of  HOREB. 


78  RAHAB 


Again  the  music  plays  the  minor 
strain  from  Rahab's  song,  with 
triumph  in  it,  yet  unrest  and 
struggle. 


CURTAIN. 


ACT  in. 


And  it  came  to  pass  on  the  seventh  day  that 
they  arose  early,  about  the  dawning  of  the  day, 

and  compassed  the  city And  it 

came  to  pass  at  the  seventh  time,  when  the  priests 
blew  with  the  trumpets,  Joshua  said  unto  the  peo- 
ple, Shout;  for  the  Lord  hath  given  you  the  city. 
]And  the  city  shall  be  accursed,  even  it  and  all  that 
are  therein;  only  Rahab  the  harlot  shall  live,  she 
and  all  that  are  with  her  in  the  house,  because  she 
hid  the  messengers  that  we  sent. 

JOSHUA  vi.  15-17. 


ACT   III. 

ST^HE  scene  is  Rahab's  living  room  as  in 
JL         Act  I.,    on    the  morning   of   the   last 
day  of  the  siege.    The  fountain,  which  was 
playing  before,  is  silent.     From   the  city 
come  sounds  of  the  siege;   at  intervals  the 
clash  of  weapons,  thud  of  battering  rams, 
and  trumpet  peals,  all  toned  down  by  the 
distance.  As  the  curtain  rises,  ZULEIKA  en- 
ters from  the  left  rapidly,  and  goes  to  the 
latticed  opening,  peering  forth;   then   she 
goes  to  ASENATH,  who   lies   on  the  floor, 
cowed  and  frightened    by    the    ominous 
x  sounds  from  the  city. 

ZULEIKA. 

The  clangour  of  spears  is  keen !    My  little  bird, 
Fret  not,  thy  mother's  here,  and  Rahab,  too. 

[Enter   RAHAB  from  the   left,  vi- 
brant with  excitement. 

81 


82  RAHAB 

RAHAB. 

No  sign  of  father  yet?    Hang  out  the  cord; 
It  is  the  seventh  day :   it  must  be  pendent 
There  from  the  lattice-work,  plainsightedly, 
For  all  the  hosts  to  see. 

ZULEIKA. 

[Takes  cord  from  behind  a  curtain 
which  hangs  before  the  doort 
and  busies  herself  tying  it  in  a 
conspicuous  place  in  the  win- 
dow. 

The  wounded  in  the  garden  lie  about 
In  writhen  heaps;  maimed  by  the  missiles  hurled 
Over  the  walls,  they  groan  and  sicken  and  die. 

RAHAB. 

Poor  riff-raff!   My  heart  cradles  them;  and  yet, 
To  die  is  little,  unless  Love  change  Life 
Into  enchantment. — Sister,  thy  cheek  is  pale. 
Zuleika,  fetch  her  food;  she  hath  not  broke 
Her  fast  to-day. 

ZULEIKA 
(aside  to  RAHAB,). 

Already  food  grows  scant, 


R  A  H  A  B  83 

But  there  is  wine,  and  fruit:     (To  ASENATH) 

Come,  dew  flower,  come, 
Rahab  would  have  thee  eat. 

[ZULEIKA  bustles  about  the  prep- 
aration of  the  fruit  and  wine, 
which  are  placed  at  a  small  hand 
table. 

ASENATH 
(plaintively). 

I  watch  and  watch, 
Until  my  sight  burns  like  a  ball  of  fire, 
But  can  see  little. — Will  not  father  come? 

RAHAB. 

Verily,  will  he. — Thou  must  eat,  and  rest; 
Thy  lissome  body  sags  for  lack  of  sleep, 
Thy  fawn-eyes  droop  so  heavy. 
ASENATH. 

I  can  rest 

Beside  thee,  Rahab,  anywhere. 
RAHAB. 

Dear  heart, 
We'll  eat  and  drink.  What  wilt  thou,  tiny  one  ? 


84  RAHAB 

Pomegranates?     They   are   coloured  like   thy 
mouth. 

[She  waits  on  ASENATH,  who  par- 
takes but  languidly,  and  herself 
makes  a  pretext  of  eating.  Then 
she  goes  to  the  window  and 
looks  forth  again  in  evident  anx- 
iety. Sounds  of  increased  tu- 
mult afar  off. 
ZULEIKA 

(going  to  the  windows) . 
No  sign  of  him !  Thou  peerest  like  an  eagle. 

RAHAB. 

Yea,  I  am  a  she-eagle  from  her  eyrie 
Sweeping  wide  spaces  with  an  unglad  eye; 
Wing-clipt,  yet  fain  of  air-adventure. — I 
Must  forth  to  seek  my  father,  lure  him  here 
In  some-wise.    Ere  the  sundown,  shall  the  blast 
Of  trumpets  blow,  and  riot  trample  red 
Our  white  streets:    he,  a  marked  man  of  the 

kingdom, 
Slain  like  a  common  slave! 


RAHAB  85 

[She  joins  ASENATH;  ZULEIKA 
busies  herself  in  the  rear,  near 
the  window. 

When  father  comes, 
We  two   must  keep  him,  dear, — thou   knowest 

why! 

Thou  specially  canst  do  it,  for  his  love 
For  thee  will  draw  him  to  our  dwelling,  sweet. 
Promise  to  hold  him  by  these  dainty  arms 
Of  daughter-like  devotion. 

ASENATH. 

I  will  try. 

But  half  afraid  am  I  of  father,  for 
His  bluster  and  big  oaths ! 
RAHAB. 

Bravado  that !    ; 
Beneath,  is  tender-heartedness. 
ASENATH. 

I  know, 

And  I  will  strive  my  best :  how  horrible 
Should  father  fail,  not  knowing  the  red  cord 
Our  amulet ! 


86  RAHAB 

RAHAB. 

He  cannot  think  my  house 
Inviolate,  like  the  palace  of  a  King; 
Nathless,  his  sure  defence ! 

ASENATH. 

His  own  are  here; 
He  should  be  glad  to  come. 
RAHAB. 

My  house  of  joy 
A  sanctuary  for  the  driven  one ! 
It  passes  belief,  but  danger  levels  all. 
Even  a  leper  has  a  roof  that  guards 
From  rains  and  crooked  lightnings. 

ASENATH. 

»  Leper,  thou  ? 

How  canst  thou  say  it,  Rahab ! 
RAHAB. 

Yet  I  love: 

My  kin,  my  Salmon,  and  the  sole  great  God 
Of  Salmon  and  my  dream. — My  father's  right. 
I  am  to  him  naught  but  a — Rahab,  she 
Of  Jericho ! 


RAHAB  87 

ASENATH. 

Nay,  Rahab  of  our  name ! 
I  hate  these  tauntings  that  engirt  thy  beauty 
As  serpents  do  a  flower 

[ZuLEiKA  comes  from  the  window, 
and  whispers  to  RAHAB. 
RAHAB. 

Sister,  thou 

Must  go  to  mother.    Rest  thee ;  I  may  need 
Thy  sweet  help  later. 

[ASENATH,    accompanied   by   Zu- 
LEIKA,  goes  off  left;  ZULEIKA 
tarries  a  moment  to  speak  to 
RAHAB. 
ZULEIKA. 

Ammon  hastens  through 
Thy  cypresses ! 

RAHAB. 

Bringing  me  precious  tidings 
Shall  make  the  path  more  plain. 

[AMMON   rushes    on   from   rightt 
sword  in  hand. 


88  RAHAB 

Thou  comest,  Ammon, 
Bearer  of  news !  How  goes  the  siege,  and  how 
Prospers  my  father  in  the  battle-press  ? 

AMMON. 

Evil  our  lot.    Hardly  I  made  my  way 
Amidst  the  frenzy;  but  my  errand  here 
Is  weighty. — Woe  enough  it  is  to  leave 
Our  barrier  bodies  at  the  wall,  and  see 
Cursed  aliens  conquer;  but  there's  worse,  and 

worse 
May  come. 

RAHAB. 
What  meanest  thou  ? 

AMMON. 

Jericho  contains 

Traitors,  of  her  own  folk,  who  plan  to  open 
The  gates  by  craft,  and  let  those  devils  in 
To  kill,  despoil,  and  burn. 

RAHAB. 

Art  sure  of  this  ? 

AMMON. 

Sure  as  the  sure  damnation  meted  out 
To  the  betrayer ! 


RAHAB  89 

RAHAB. 

What  the  motive  ? 
AMMON. 

Gold: 
The  pledge  a  part  of  all  their  spoils. 

.    [Angry  sounds  outside.     AMMON 
goes  to  the  window. 

RAHAB 
(shaken  with  conflicting  emotions). 

My  deed — 

Yet  not  my  deed ;  for  that  my  deed,  I  swear. 
Was  ordered  of  high  God.    No  traitor  1 1 
Gods  of  my  race,  was  ever  woman  bound 
In  such  fierce  coil  and  counter-coil  of  Fate ! 
My  father — this  will  break  his  heart 

AMMON 
(returns  from  the  window). 

He  dies 
Of  the  defenders  first,  after  the  King. 

RAHAB. 

Why  didst  thou  come  to  me,  why  fleest  thou  not 
Unto  the  palace,  or  amidst  the  bruit 


90  RAHAB 

Of  arms,  to  warn  my  sire,  that  disgrace 
May  not  embitter  more  this  bitter  day? 

AMMON. 

So  much  of  trick  and  subterfuge  prevails 
Thorough  the  city,  that  I  could  not  come 
Within  a  crossbow  shot  of  him ;  they  fear 
Treachery  on  every  side,  would  deem  that  I 
Was  leaguered  with  the  foes. 

RAHAB 

(suddenly) . 

Then  I  shall  go ! 

AMMON. 

Madness !  Thou,  a  woman,  move  among 
War-demons  with  red-shotted  eyes  ? 

RAHAB. 

Love-driven, 

Mere  craven  women  dare  as  much  as  heroes ; 
And  go  I  must. 

AMMON. 

My  Rahab,  stay  with  me, 
For  we  are  linked  in  one  by  love  and  death ! 


RAHAB  91 

RAHAB 
(imperiously). 

Nay,  be  my  friend;  prate  not  of  love  in  these 
Last  hours  of  blood  and  tears. 

[She  turns  as  if  to  go. 

AMMON 
(goes  to  window  to  prevent  her). 

Thou  must  not  go ! 
RAHAB 

(aside,  moving  away  from  him). 
Salmon  hath  said  that  Jericho  shall  fall : 
His  God  declared  it :  then,  the  city  falls. 
But  in  fair,  open  battle,  not  by  craft ! 
The  God  of  Israel  must  manage  that ! 
And  I  must  aid  my  father,  his  big  heart 
Shall  never  burst  through  me. 
[Goes  to  AMMON. 
AMMON. 

Rahab,  thy  doom — 
RAHAB 

(snatches  up  a  veil  which  she  winds  about  her 
head). 


92  RAHAB 

To  the  King's  palace  or  the  van  of  war! 
I'll  drag  him  here  to  safety,  if  it  mean 
Lies,  tricks,  unsexing  me,  or  death  itself, 
So  long  as  he  be  spared ! 

AMMON. 

It  cannot  be : 

Lo,  Jericho  is  straitly  shut;  no  man 
Goes  in  or  out;  a  mere  maid  compass  it? 

RAHAB. 
No  one  so  well  as  I. — Zuleika,  come ! 

[ZULEIKA  hastens  in. 
Watch  well  o'er  Asenath  and  mother,  thay 
Shall  be  my  lures  for  father ;  he  may  come 
To  fetch  them  to  a  better  hiding-place 
Than  my  frail  roof  fronting  upon  the  wall. 
Ammon,  I  thank  thee  for  thy  news. 

AMMON. 

I  go 
Beside  thee! 

RAHAB. 

Nay,  'tis  mine  to  do  this  deed; 


RAHAB  93 

I  must  be  free  of  guilt  toward  my  kin, 

To  look  e'en  the  Jehovah  in  the  face !    (Aside.) 

AMMON. 

But  I  would  guard  thee — every  path  is  pregnant 
With  peril. 

RAHAB. 

Nay,  a  mightier  than  thou 
Guards  me  and  guides — give  way!    Father,   to 
thee! 

[She  hurries  forth  by  the  window 
on  to  the  wall,  and  so  down  into 
the  city.  AMMON  and  ZCJLEIKA 
look  after  her  from  the  lattice. 

AMMON. 

Divine  daredevil !    Look,  she  threads  the  path — 
Reaches  the  gate   ....   and  hurtles  through 

the  street 

That  rocks  with  riot ;  on  her  head  is  borne 
A  jug  of  water — she's  a  water-girl, 
Selling  a  cool  salvation  to  parched  lips.     .     .     . 


94  RAHAB 

She'll  never  gain  her  sire !     .     .     .     Now,  she 

melts 
In  the  multitude.     .     .     . 

ZULEIKA. 

All  prophecies  miscarry; 
My  mistress  dear  is  lost ! 

AMMON. 

But  who  is  yon, 
The  tall,  fair  warrior?     ...    He  bears  his 

sword 

Right  soldierly,  and  seems  to  draw  this  way. 
His  garb  is  strange.     ...     By  all  our  city's 

shrines, 
An  Israelite! 

[AMMON  secretes  himself  behind  a 
pillar  at  the  left;  ZULEIKA  goes 
off  opposite.  Enter  SALMON, 
by  the  window,  looking  swiftly 
around  in  search  of  RAHAB. 

SALMON. 

Not  here  ?    The  cord  is  hung. 
She  cannot  be  gone  forth ! 


RAHAB  95 

AMMON. 

He  knows  her  house? 
She  harbours  Israel? 

[He  discloses  himself. 

What  wouldst  thou  here  ? 

SALMON. 

I  seek  the  mistress  Rahab :  haply  thou 
Canst  help  me. 

AMMON. 

What  hast  thou  to  do  with  her? 
Why  Israel  again  ? 

SALMON 
(aside) . 
Again  ? 

AMMON. 

Not  yet 

Our  walls  are  down ;  back  to  thy  fellow-dogs ; 
Or  draw,  and  die ! 

SALMON. 

I  come  not  here  to  brawl, 
Rather  to  help,  to  save.  If  thou  dost  know 


96  RAHAB 

Where  Rahab  bides,  I  pray  thee,  tell  me  now, 
And  take  large  thanks. 

AMMON. 

.    So  thou  wouldst  look  upon 
The  lady  Rahab? 

[M titterings  swell  into  loud  cries 
from  beyond  the  wall:  "The 
red  cord,  tear  it  down!" 

Hark,  they  know  her  sign ! 
SALMON. 

Her  sign  ?  What  say'st  thou  ? 
AMMON 
(with  marked  insolence) . 

Every  trade  may  flaunt 
Some  emblem:    "Ho!  here's  rest,  refreshment 

too, 
For    man     and    beast     at     Rahab's    wayside 

inn. 
Come  one  and  all." 

SALMON 
(fingering  his  sword). 

This  passes  patience,  sir ! 


RAHAB  97 

AMMON 
(mockingly). 
A  myriad  pities ! 

[The  cries  are  redoubled:  "Rahab, 
pull  down  the  cord."  "Ammon, 
Amman,  the  idler,  the  traitor, 
kill  himr 

Gods !  the  rabble  raves 

In  a  sheer  frenzy !   They  would  glut  their  rage 
On  her  and  me ! 

SALMON 
(turns  to  explore  the  house). 

Find  her  I  will,  forthright. 

AMMON. 

Thou  wottest  not  the  house,  good  Israelite ; 
The  women's  quarters  privy  are  to  thee, 
While  all  to  me  is  like  an  open  hand, 
Known  day — and  night ! 

SALMON. 

I  would  not  foul  her  house 
By  killing  thee ! 


98  RAHAB 

AMMON. 

How  kind  and  courteous ! 
I'll  tell  thee  then,  Rahab  hath  late  gone  forth, 
The  bird  is  flown,  empty  the  gilded  cage, 
Bootless  thy  quest. 

SALMON. 

By  Abraham's  bosom,  no ! 
Not  forth  amidst  the  slaughtering!  She  hung 
The  red  cord,  then  went  forth  ? 

AMMON. 

A  signal  that 
To  call  thee,  Jew  ?  I'll  twist  it  round  thy  neck. 

[He  goes  to  the  lattice  to  pluck  the 
cord  from  it;  SALMON  blocks 
the  way,  and  draws  his  sword. 

SALMON. 
Touch  but  the  cord :  I  run  thee  through. 

AMMON. 

My  blood 
Needs  letting. — Faugh !  A  signal  to  a  foe ! 


RAHAB  99 

SALMON. 

A  signal  to  all  Israel,  cur !  to  spare 
Her  and  her  house. 

[They  fight;  SALMON  disarms  AM- 
MON,  and  closes  with  him;  the 
shouts  beneath  are  repeated: 
"Rahab,  the  cord;  we  would 
have  her  and  Ammon!"  Gradu- 
ally SALMON  forces  AMMON 
near  to  the  window,  through  it, 
and  by  a  supreme  effort,  hurls 
him  over  the  wall  A  great 
shout  goes  up  from  the  crowd 
below. 

SALMON 

(leaning,  breathed,  against  the  lattice  and  look- 
ing down  at  the  mob). 
A  brave  man,  though  a  foe :  a  fearful  fate  I 
Mere  offal  midst  of  unclean  animals. 

[Puts  his  hand  before  his  eyes. 
Her  splendour  dazzles  when  I  shut  mine  eyes, 
And  see  her  in  my  dream.    There  was  a  way 


ioo  RAHAB 

Her  hair  grew  off  her  neck;  the  blended  beauty 
Of  burnished  locks  and  living  flesh; — I  swear 
By  all  our  altars,  by  the  sacred  ark 
Of  God,  that  same  slim  neck  did  beckon  me 
Through  all  the  warlike  web  of  Israel's  fate, 
And  made  of  the  grim  work  a  golden  wonder ! 

{Cries    outside:    "Rahab,    Rahabf 
Seize  her,  seize  her!"    Then  a 
piercing  woman's  shriek.    SAL- 
MON looks  forth  again. 
'Tis  she    .    :    .  .    they  seek  to  scay  her    .    .    . 

she  escapes     .     .     . 
Is  here! 

[RAHAB,  breathless,  her  garments 
torn,  rushes  on  to  the  wall,  and 
through  the  window. 

RAHAB. 
'Tis  thou,  Salmon !  The  siege  is  o'er? 

SALMON. 

Nay,  love,  I  scaled  the  wall,  and  sought  thee,  lest 
Thy  heart  should  fail  thee ;  would  make  sure  the 
cord 


RAHAB  101 

Was  hung,  thy  kinsfolk  safe;  and  more  than  all, 
Read  in  thine  eyes  again,  O  mistress  mine, 
A  shining  welcome! 

[Eagerly  approaches  her. 

RAHAB. 

Stay,  Lord  Salmon.    Love 
Sits  not  with  present  peril.   I  obeyed 
God's   mandate,    saved  thy   life,   betrayed  my 

birthplace; 

But  now,  when  I  behold  it  in  sore  straits, 
Something  within  me,  deep  at  my  soul's  core, 
Cries  out  against  it,  and  my  native  land 
Seems  lovely  in  destruction — loved  too  late ! 
[She  is  shaken  with  sobs. 

SALMON. 
God's  will,  dear  Rahab;    and  He  knows  each 

heart, 

Judges  our  doings  not  by  what  appears 
Before  our  fellows,  but  by  what  we  strive 
To  do.     ...     What  of  thy  kinsfolk?   Are 

they  all 
Housed  safely? 


102  RAHAB 

RAHAB. 

Still  my  father  heads  the  troops, 
Heartens  the  King.   I  have  but  now  returned 
From  a  vain  hope :  to  win  him  here. — Should  he, 
My  grand  old  sire,  die,  then  murder  lies 
'Twixt  me  and  thee,  my  one  white  love  is  dyed 
Deep  crimson. 

SALMON. 

Die  he  shall  not!    I'll  away 
And  seek  him,  drag  him  here,  if  needs. 

RAHAB. 

Not  so. 

Strong  is  my  faith  he'll  come  to  fetch  the  others, 
My  sister  and  my  mother,  to  some  place 
He  deems  is  danger-proof. 

SALMON. 

He  is  not  doomed 

To  die ;  I  feel  it  in  my  soul. — O  Sweet, 
Between  swift  lanes  of  arrows  have  I  run 
Merely  to  look  upon  thy  face  again. 
Their  snarling  was  a  very  song  to  me 


RAHAB  103 

That  seemed  to  say,  the  while  they  clove  the  air : 
"This  path  to  her;  speed  on !" 

RAHAB 
(with  a  tremulous  smile). 

Thou  art  a  poet. 

Help  me  to  save  my  father !    Thy  reward, 
The   turbulent   woman   in   whose   heart   there 

strive 

A  thousand  passions — thine  the  last,  and  best. 
Uplift  me  with  thy  love. 

SALMON. 

God  bring  it  so! 

The  father-love  thou  showest  is  to  me 
Beautiful;  so  my  people  love  their  own, 
And  I  foresee  but  holier  harmony 
Between  us  twain,  in  that  thou  guardest  him 
Even  as  thyself. 

RAHAB. 

Is  this  the  final  day 
Of  Jericho,  dear,  sinful  city?    Stands 
The  prophecy? 


1 04  R  A  H  A  B 

SALMON. 

Those  lofty  battle-birds, 
The  trumpets  of  our  leader,  shall  ring  forth 
Their  brazen  menace  ere  the  sun  be  set, 
And  these  so  mighty  walls  go  down  in  dust, 
A  miracle ! 

RAHAB. 
Marvellous  thy  works  of  war. 

SALMON. 
Armed  men  fore-lead  our  priests ;  and  following 

after, 

The  ark :  and  then  the  rereward  last  of  all. 
So  circle  they  the  city  seven  times, 
Ere  the  trumps  blow  their  blast. 

RAHAB. 

In  after  years, 

Men's  lips  shall  pity  Jericho,  and  curse 
Rahab,  the  self-same  breath ! 

SALMON. 

Nay,  love  of  mine, 
A  curse  is  on  the  city,  but  thy  name 


RAHAB  105 

Is  destined  to  be  chanted  praisefully 
So  long  as  faith  is  famed. 
RAHAB. 

At  least,  I  save 

My  mother,  who  forgets  my  erstwhile  guilt, 
My  little  sister  of  the  lamb-like  ways, 
And — grant  it,  God! — my  father — who  comes 
not! 

[Goes  to  window,  and  looks  to  the 
city. 

SALMON 

(drawing  her  away). 
I  came  to  comfort  thee — to  feed  mine  eyes 
Upon  thy  face  that  blooms  a  passion-flower 
Imperially  set  upon  a  hill; 
A  rose  of  Jericho,  whose  odorous  buds 
Bear  this  town's  name  beyond  the  Red  Sea's 
rim! 

RAHAB. 

Salmon,  thy  love  re-makes  me.    In  my  days 
Of  girlhood,  I  would  sometimes  sudden  stand 
And  hear  about  me,  like  an  elusive  voice, 


106  RAHAB 

The  rapture  of  the  wide  world's  wordless  things : 
The  winds  and  waters,  and  the  bird-filled  sky, 
The  tiny  caravans  that  haunt  the  grass 
Of    Summer,    and    God's    ancient    gold,    the 

stars     .     .     . 

Then,  sins  came  flocking  and  I  heard  it  not, 
That  mystic  call.   Of  late,  the  Spirit  again 
Of  sun-bright  days  and  nights  of  silver  moons 
Speaks  to  me,  and  I  take  it  for  a  sign 
My  soul  awakens. 

SALMON. 

Dear,  my  soul  is  glad. 
Rest  in  my  love.    Farewell;  I  come  again 
With  Israel's  triumph-song,  to  claim  mine  own ! 
[He  kneels  to  kiss  her  hand.     The 
King's  trumpet  is  heard  close 
outside.     RAHAB  rushes  to  the 
window. 

RAHAB. 

'Tis    the    King's    trumpeter.      He    comes,    he 
comes — 


RAHAB  107 

My  father !     .    .    .    Now  be  thanked  my  Gods, 

and  thine ! 

Let  him  not  see  thee,  it  would  craze  his  soul 
To  meet  a  foe,  with  ruin  at  his  gates. 
Dear  Salmon,  for  my  sake,  leave  not  my  house. 
Tarry  thou  here  a  little. 

[Conducts  him  to  the  left  entrance, 
places  him  behind  the  curtain 
and  claps  her  hands  for  Zu- 
LEIKA,  who  comes  in  at  left. 

Father  comes; 
Call  in  the  others. 

[Exit  ZULEIKA,  returning  with 
ASENATH  and  AMORAH. 

May  the  fates  be  kind, 
In  this  great  hour  that  makes  or  mars  us  all ! 

[NATHANIAH  comes  in  unattended, 
by  the  way  of  the  wall:  looks  at 
RAHAB,  then  goes  to  the  other 
women,  showing  special  tender- 
ness for  ASENATH. 


io8  RAH  A3 

AMORAH. 
Husband,  unharmed !  Is't  well  with  Jericho  ? 

NATHANIAH 
(sombrely). 

Jericho  totters, — not  because  of  dreams ! 
But  that  corruption  eats  into  her  heart 
And  makes  her  battle-feeble.    Just  beyond 
The  walls  is  Israel ;  within,  gaunt  hunger 
Begins  to  stalk  with  hollow  eyes;  the  rabble, 
Vomited  from  a  city's  lairs  of  vice, 
Mutter  and  growl  and  threat:    each  moment 

here 

Hinders  my  duty.    Come  ye,  now,  with  me, 
For  I  will  hide  ye  where,  whate'er  betides, 
Lust  shall  not  break  thy  peace.     No  harbour 

this 

For  soldiers  and  their  kind.  Now  hot-foot  hence, 
I  sin  in  coming  for  ye. 

ASENATH. 

Father,  no; 

Let  us  not  leave  this  house, — 'tis  safer  here. 
Our  tower  of  strength  is  Rahab. 


RAHAB  109 

AMORAH. 

Yea,  mayhap 
Our  elder  daughter — 

NATHANIAH. 

Daughter !  Name  her  not. 
Fold  Asenath  from  harm  and  keep  her  close 
Till  she  hath  left  the  house :  this  is  no  spot 
For  virgins.    I  will  go  into  the  garden 
To  choose  our  readiest  way — and  then  we'll 

forth 
Together. 

RAHAB. 

Hold !    They  must  not  go,  nor  thou ; 
Let  me  but  leave  the  place ;  I  am  loath  to  make 
It  noisome  for  thee ;  but  do  beg  thee,  sir, 
Seek  not  the  terrible  outer  ways ! 
NATHANIAH 
(with  emotion). 

My  lease 
Of  life  runs  out:  my  bones  shall  bleach  in  the 

sun, 
My  body  feed  the  jackals.    What  of  that  ? 


no  RAHAB 

Why  live  without  a  country?    Better  lie 
Among  the  stark  and  undistinguished  dead; 
In  that  gaunt  company  I  shall  not  hear 
The  ribald  flout  thy  name:      uThe  gold-won 

Rahab,  < 

Look,  'tis  Nathaniah's  daughter!" 
RAHAB. 

Father  mine, 
Thine  anguish  kills  me;  think  me  not — 

NATHANIAH. 

Now  peace ! 
Thou  f reward  one !  Our  councils  are  not  thine. 

(To  the  others.) 

I  carry  papers  of  the  King;  designs 
That  show  the  windings  of  our  treasure-house. 
I  must  entrust  them  to  my  master.    Come, 
Thy  veils,  thy  veils ! 

[Mutterings  again  heard  below. 

ZULEIKA 
(who  has  been  watching  at  the  window). 

Mistress,  the  people  murmur. 


R  A  H  A  B  III 

They  ask  the  meaning  of  the  cord  that  dangles 
The  lattice  down. 

[She  returns  to  the  window. 

NATHANIAH 
(turns  and  sees  it) . 

Some  colour-frippery! 
Or  is  it  for  a  lure  to  gather  here 
Thy  lovers  ? 

RAHAB. 

It  repels  mine  enemies, 
And  thine,  O  father. 

NATHANIAH. 

Folly  from  a  fool, 

As  juices  from  the  betel  nut !  Make  haste.    (To 
the  other  women.) 

ASENATH. 

If  they  should  kill  thee,  father,  we  are  left 
Alone. 

NATHANIAH. 

Two  women  and  a  heap  of  words ! 
No  more  of  this — away ! 


ii2  RAHAB 

ZULEIKA 

(coming  from  the  window). 

She  speaks  but  truth. 

Our  house  alone  is  safe :   the  seething  mob 
Spit  out  their  hate,  demand  the  Israelites 
They  fancy  here;  mere  beasts  that  pant  for 

blood, 
No  sense  of  friend  or  foe. 

NATHANIAH 
(striding  towards  window). 

One  word  from  me 
Will  still  their  clamour. 

[Gazes  on  mob.     Hoarse  cries  of 
"RAHAB,  the  cord"  etc. 

Pull  the  bauble  down ; 
It  maddens  them. 

He  tries  to  detach  it. 

RAHAB 

(rushes  to  him,  and  climbs  lattice,  making  the 
cord  secure) . 

The  signal  stays,  our  lives 
Hang  by  that  slender  line ! 


RAHAB  113 

NATHANIAH. 

Be  headstrong  then. 

Befuddle  thee  with  dreams  and  conjurers. 
Keep  the  girl  with  thee ;  I  am  for  the  King. 

RAHAB 

(aside  to  ASENATH,). 

Implore  him :  when  he  takes  thee  to  his  arms, 
Get  thou  the  papers  hidden  in  his  breast. 

NATHANIAH. 

Do  thou,  Amorah,  watch  thy  younger  child 
As  the  great  leopard  cat  her  offspring. 

ASENATH 
(rushing  to  him). 
Father,  thou  wilt  not  leave  us! 

[While  he  embraces  her,  she  gets 
the  papers. 

NATHANIAH 
(softened). 

Little  one, 

All  will  be  well,  and  thou  be  cherished  soft; 
But  go  I  must. 


ii4  RAHAB 

ASENATH 

(going  to  RAHAB). 

I  have  them ! 

RAHAB  (seizing  the  papers,  casts  them  into  the 
jaws  of  the  image  of  the  god  Moloch, 
whence  flames  issue). 

My  soul  sings ! 

Father,  thou  goest  to  assist  the  King : 
The  papers  to  deliver.   Give  them  me, 
And  I  will  do  it. 

NATHANIAH 

(feels   instinctively   in   his   bosom,   and   misses 
papers). 

Robbed!   Wanton,  by  thee? 
RAHAB 

(opens  her  arms  wide  before  him). 
Rend  me  apart,  and  all  that's  mine ! 
NATHANIAH. 

No  matter; 
I'll  forth,  if  but  to  die ! 

ZULEIKA 

(rushes  from  the  window  down  to  the  others 
with  a  wild  cry). 


RAHAB  115 

Oh,  what  is  this ! 

[A  wonderful  great  noise  of  trum- 
pets and  shouting,  and  the  fall 
of  mighty  stones,  as  the  walls  of 
Jericho  go  down.  Then  rises 
clear  above  it  all  the  victor-song 
of  the  children  of  Israel.  Dur- 
ing the  song,  a  lurid  light  plays 
over  the  city. 
VICTOR  SONG. 

The  Lord  is  a  Man  of  War, 
The  Lord  is  his  name. 

Sing  ye  to  the  Lord,  for  he  hath  triumphed  glo- 
riously. 
All  the  inhabitants  of  Canaan  are  melted  away, 

Terror  and  dread  fall  upon  them. 
By  the  greatness  of  thine  arm  they  are  as  still  as 

a  stone. 

Sing  ye  to  the  Lord,  for  he  hath  triumphed  glo- 
riously. 

[With  a  choral  swell. 
Jehovah,  Jehovah,  Jehovah! 


u6  RAHAB 

[All  are  moved  and  dazed.  Then 
NATHANIAH  shakes  of  his  stu- 
por. 

NATHANIAH. 

Fallen  ?  All  lost !  And  I  was  cooped  up  here. — 
Women !    But  I  will  go  to  welcome  death, 
Not  wait  it  here ! 

[Is  hastening  to  window:    RAHAB 
throws  herself  before  him. 
RAHAB. 

Salmon,  I  summon  thee ! 
[SALMON  steps  forth  from  the  cur- 
tain. 

Seize  on  this  man,  chief  councillor  to  our  King; 
Let  him  not  flee ! 

[From  both  sides,  and  In  through 
the  window,  begin  to  pour  the 
dark-garbed  Israelites  with  sav- 
age looks  and  gestures.  A  sign 
from  SALMON  quells  them. 

SALMON 
(gravely,  going  to  NATHANIAH,). 


RAHAB  117 

I  hold  thee,  noble  sir, 
An  enemy  of  Israel. 

NATHANIAH. 

And  betrayed 
By  mine  own  child,  under  her  roof  of  sale ! 

RAHAB 
(radiantly). 

Saved  by  thy  child,  belovdd,  and  by  one 
His  country's  leader. 

SALMON. 

And  her  lover  leal. 
[  To  his  soldiers. 

Lions  ye  are  in  Jericho's  proud  streets, 
Prey-hungry :  here  be  lambs.  The  city  dies, 
The  only  remnant,  Rahab  and  her  kin. 

[To  NATHANIAH. 

Good  sir,  thine  honour,  and  thine  house's  honour 
Shall  be  perpetual. 

RAHAB. 

My  lord,  my  love ! 
[He  seeks  to  embrace  her:  she  holds 
him  off. 


I  I  8  R  A  H  A  B 

But  O  my  country's  shame !  Divided  gladness ! 
I  walk  to  joy  above  my  people's  graves! 
My  destiny  is  sombre.     .     .     .    Once  again. 
The  dream,  the  vision ! 

[As    she    recites,     the    motif    of 
Rahab's    Song    is    heard    once 
more,  passing  into  a  triumphant 
major. 

Hear  the  words :    "By  faith 
The  harlot  Rahab  perished  not  with  them 
That  believed  not,  when  she  had  received  the 

spies 

With  peace."    The  voice  uplifts  me.    (To  SAL- 
MON.)   Be  thy  God 

My  God.    I  leave  the  old  bad  life  behind, 
An  outworn  garment. 

SALMON. 

Mine  to  aid  thee,  sweet; 
"Beneath  the  cypresses,  under  the  stars!" 
RAHAB  (taking  pearl  from  her  bosom  and 

kissing  it). 
The  pearl  shows  no  discolour  from  my  breast. 


RAHAB 


119 


Out  of  the  house  of  bondage,  out  of  Passion, 
To  love  and  light. 

SALMON. 
Rahab,  of  Israel! 


CURTAIN. 


Male's  Dramatists  of  To-day 

Rostand,  Hauptmann,  Sudermann, 
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By  PicOF.  EDWARD  EVERETT  HALE,  JR.,  of  Union 
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N.  Y.  Evening  Post:— "It  makes  a  very  charming  addition 
to  the  literature  of  'reminiscences.'  It  is  impossible  to  read 
ten  pages  of  it  without  perceiving  that  we  are  in  the  society  of  a 
superior  mind  and  character." 


Henry    Holt   and    Company 

Publishers  (iv  '05)  New  York 


UNIVERSITY  OF  CALIFORNIA  LIBRARY 
BERKELEY 


THIS  BOOK  IS  DUE  ON  THE  LAST  DATE 
STAMPED  BELOW 

Books  not  returned  on  time  are  subject  to  a  fine  of 
50c  per  volume  after  the  third  day  overdue,  increasing 
to  $1.00  per  volume  after  the  sixth  day.  Books  not  in 
demand  may  be  renewed  if  application  is  made  before 
expiration  of  loan  period. 


MAY  26  1919 

MAR  4  1922 

RPR  13  19*2 


87  193? 


50m-7,'16 


D 


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